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Splurge Monday’s TPS Report: Hope Blazer

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Alice + Olivia Blazer - HopeOoh: love the metallic threads running through this tweedy Alice + Olivia blazer. I like the nubby way the threads stick out, and I like the gold tone buttons on the front. Lovely. It's $495 at Bloomingdale's. Alice + Olivia Blazer – Hope Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-2)

Sales of note for 3/26/25:

  • Nordstrom – 15% off beauty (ends 3/30) + Nordy Club members earn 3X the points!
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale + additional 20% off + 30% off your purchase
  • Banana Republic Factory – Friends & Family Event: 50% off purchase + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – 50% off select styles + extra 50% off all sale
  • J.Crew – 30% off tops, tees, dresses, accessories, sale styles + warm-weather styles
  • J.Crew Factory – Shorts under $30 + extra 60% off clearance + up to 60% off everything
  • M.M.LaFleur – 25% off travel favorites + use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – $64.50 spring cardigans + BOGO 50% off everything else

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

233 Comments

  1. I used the Sally Hansen stick-on nail polish for the first time last night, and it’s already chipping and peeling in some areas. Has anyone had that happen? Do you think it’s because I haven’t gotten good at putting it on yet? Should I give it another try?

    Love the jacket!

    1. I tried it and could not even get it to stay on my nails at all. I have also tried incoco strips and they were much easier to apply. I believe mine stayed on for about 2 weeks.

      1. I didn’t have any trouble keeping the sally hanson on for a couple weeks, but it was impossible to get OFF and about ruined my nails.

      2. I was confused by your handle and wondered why you couldn’t get the Mirena to stay on your nails.

        ps I don’t think that’s how it works.

    2. Major fail with those stick on polishes for me. They just refused to stay on my nails. Maybe I should try the other ones mentioned here.

    3. I’ve had the opposite problem – put it on and the only reason I took it off was that it was starting to grow out. But it was a pain in the butt to take off.

    4. So funny, I just tried it last night for the 1st time too. My bf and mom were oohing and ahhing over the results, but I was a bit annoyed at how some of the strips did not cover the width of my nail and left a white/empty space on the side. No chips so far, but make sure you coat it with a good clear top coat! I was going to redo one of the nails with another strip, but with a few swipes at it w/ nail polish remover I realized it was gonna be a pain removing them, so I let it be.

    5. The ones from Sephora are better than the Sally Hansen ones IMO. But I have gotten both to stick pretty well. One thing – you have to apply them right after you open the package or else they dry out. I also smooth them out with the side of a nail file right after I apply them to make sure they stick. For taking them off, if you soak a cotton ball and just hold it on the nail for a bit before scrubbing, they come off pretty easily.

  2. I’m going to a game at an SEC school. I hear they dress up for the games. What is appropriate? I was thinking of either a casual dress or jeans and a nicer shirt. If anyone has any particular recommendations, I need something maroon.

    Y’all are the best!

    1. Yay for SEC football!
      Are you going this weekend? Because weather does play into it. I am saying this as a SEC alumna (and sorority gal) and from my perspective, women under 30 don’t wear jeans to games unless it is really cold out. When the weather is nice it is almost exclusively sundresses. You can check out SEC Diva. They sort the clothes by schools and colors. If you are on Pinterest you can look for SEC fashion. There are several ideas there.

    3. Which school? What are your game day activities? Different outfits would suit different places and game day activities. For example, tailgaiting at The Grove at Ole Miss vs. partying on “the strip” at Tennessee are things for which I would wear very different outfits. I would also consider age – what is suits me as a 48 year old Tennessee alumna is different that what I wore when much younger.

      1. It’s at Ole Miss, so I’ll be tailgating at the Grove, and I’m younger, although I’m also going with others who are older and wondering what to wear.

      2. What fun! The Grove is pretty much the Oscars of tailgaiting. Linen napkins and candleabra are not unknown. Instead of trying to suggest what you should wear, I’m going to suggest that you do an internet search for “best tailgate the grove ole miss”. You’ll get lots of good hits, many or most with pics of people there. One note of caution: some articles will mention girls/women in “c#cktail dresses”. Here, that is not shiny or sequined or foofy or such. What is “c#cktail dress” in this context in the south – well, I just deleted a long, windy explanation and am going to suggest going to the Lilly Pulitzer site and looking at the dresses instead for ideas of style . A lot of these would be appropriate for this kind of “c#cktail” wear in the south, though it doesn’t have to be Lilly or the bright prints.

    4. The most common is sundresses in the color of the school you are rooting for or a flowy knee length skirt and tank/capsleeve shirt.

    5. Maroon…ugh… Here I was ready to give nice orange/blue recommendations….anyhoo..

      Some people dress up – but I would say its more that football is a social scene so its not so much dressed up as not slovenly, but I don’t consider a sundress or a skirt and top dressed up….

          1. Whoops – you’re right! I saw orange and blue and reflexively thought Wahoowa.

            Carry on. . .

          2. When my wahoo husband told me they wore coat and ties to football games, I looked at him like he was an alien from outer space. I still think its cray-cray.

            Cary on.

    6. This comment totally made me chuckle. I’m a BIG 10 girl and I can’t imagine wearing a sundress to a game. Seriously!?! We always felt fortunate if we could still feel our toes at halftime.

      1. Hahaha! Complete opposite! When it’s 101 degrees a sundress is the only way you can make it through the game!

      2. I know! I went to law school at a big 10 and it was all about piles of big sweatshirts, wooly scarves and caps in school colors, and giant mittens.

        1. B1G 10, too. Layers, including wicking and insulating layers. Sometimes including snowboots and parkas.

    7. I’m jealous! Just the other day I was talking to a colleague who went to an SEC school about how much I’d like to go to some SEC games. I grew up with the late, beloved Big 12, but the SEC always seems like a lot of fun.

    8. Wow, as a Mizzou grad (new to SEC this year), I’m thinking there is going to be some serious fashion culture clash. MU fans wear their finest team sweatshirt. I personally was always in a fashionably polyester marching band uniform. Sigh.

      1. Tennessee fans wear their favorite bright orange tees, so you won’t be alone. :) I think it’s really only in Alabama and Mississippi that people dress up. Maybe Vandy too?

        1. Georgia dresses up a lot. When I graduated I literally had a closet full of nothing but red and black dresses that got donated!

        2. And Kentucky, and South Carolina, and Auburn. Everyone in the SEC dresses up except Florida and maybe our newest members who haven’t yet been indoctrinated into the culture yet.

    9. I was ACC, but man I loved dressing up for football games! I miss that very much. When I went to my first Penn State game while I lived in PA I was very sad at the very slouchy football outfits!

      This weather is such perfect college football game day dressing up weather!

      Have fun :) And go Tigers!

  3. Some of my black cardigans are starting to fade a little and get…droopy? They are looking old, really. Is there any way to resuscitate them? Re-dye them black? I can’t really afford a bunch of new clothes, but want to look nice!

    1. I have redyed black clothing several times with good results. Just remember to wash them a couple of times afterward to get all the excess dye out—especially before wearing with a light color. Not sure how to fix the droopy problem.

      If you can’t fix the sweaters, maybe you can find new ones at a consignment shop?

    2. I think it depends what sort of droop you’re getting?

      I have a bad habit of pushing up my sweater sleeves, so I have to reshape the cuffs (not a difficult task, just wet them with hot water, reshape, then dry). How do you store/hang your sweaters to dry? Sweaters should be dried flat and stored folded, not on hangers. Hanging a sweater can cause the shoulders to get loose and sag.

    3. I have had good luck with black Rit dye for various projects. I would not wear a white or any light color shirt under it for the first wearing. Even after washing sometimes the color might transfer to the shirt underneath. I’d say go for it and give it a try.

  4. How do I wish someone all the best for Rosh Hashanah? Would “Have a good holiday” be appropriate? Or is there something better?

      1. Me too — 85% of the time this is followed by, “Oh sh!t! You’re right, OMG!!”

  5. I have no idea why this got caught:

    How do I wish someone all the best for R o s h H*s h a n a h? Would “Have a good holiday” be appropriate? Or is there something better?

    1. The Hebrew greeting is “Shana Tova” — shah-NAH toe-VAH. Which basically means happy new year. Or you could say Happy J*wish New Years. But have a good holiday is very considerate too.

      (the * is just in case religion names get you stuck in moderation…)

    2. I am not j*wish, but I usually wish my observant friends a Happy New Year or Shana Tova.

    3. I love it when someone wishes me a Happy New Year. Have a good Holiday is fine. If you don’t feel comfortable with L’Shana Tova that’s totally fine. Just acknowledging the presence of the holiday will make most people happy, especially if you are in an area of the country where Jews are a distinct minority.

      1. Yes! Simply recognizing that the holiday is happening is refreshing. No need to try to pronounce Hebrew if you’re not comfortable with it – a simple “Happy New Year” is fine. No need to add “J3wish” to it -if you say it to a J3w at R0sh H@shanah, they’ll know what you mean without making it seem exclusionary.

    4. I’m not Jewish but love the Fountainheads’ “Dip Your Apple.” It might help give you a sense of one contemporary take on the holiday as joyous and a chance for renewal.

    5. Yay! Happy new year!! Im on my iPhone so I can’t tell good stories and my sister is skoweleing at me for texting! This guy I see here every year (David) told my dad that he is moving into the city and wants me to give him some ideas for decorateing his apartement in Brooklyn. FOOEY!

      I told my dad that I am not famileiar with BROOKLYN so I can NOT help him. He has been lookeing at me every year since I was 12 year’s old! That’s alot of years! Yay!

    7. Chag sameach = Good festival (hahg sa-may-akh appropriate for any Jewish holiday but not for Yom Kippur, which is not a holiday)
      Gut yontiff = Good festival in Yiddish, appropriate when addressing Askenazi Jews (the majority of Jews in the US)
      L’Shana Tova = For a happy year (le sha NAH to VAh although many people say le SHAna TOVa)

      Happy New Year is also totally appropriate. My personal favorite in joke, although probably not appropriate for a non-Jew to say, is Happy Jew Year.

    8. I usually just say Happy New Year.

      And then I usually say, wait, is this the day of atonement or new year’s day?

      I totally like the idea of a day of atonement and would like to incorporate that into my own agnostic culture.

  6. Love the overall look of this blazer but the threads popping out would drive me bonkers.

  7. Any C’rettes going to DRI in Las Vegas this week? If so, I would love to plan a meet up!

  8. Does anyone ever find that they have trouble distinguishing a supervisor’s annoyance or anger at a general situation from annoyance or anger at yourself? I always think that partners who seem angry at a situation (e.g. “why didn’t the vendor tell us that” “why didn’t other partner do this”) are angry AT me. Typically it’s male partners who I have this reaction to.

    1. I actually have this tendency with my husband. Self-awareness helps me remember that it’s in my head and not personal. If he is still going on and on past the point of venting, I ask what he wants to do about it, which usually further confirms that I really am not playing a role. Interested in seeing what others suggest.

    2. Yes. But in my/her case, that is because SHE seems to have trouble distinguishing her aggragavation with the situation from aggravation with me.

      1. This is what I was going to say. My husband and I have this issue, and after I basically point out something like SAB said, he says “oh, I am not directing this at you, it’s the X”. Well, the thing I’ve noticed is that after I point it out, he changes his tone and it is clear that actually, he *was* directing his aggravation AT me, though perhaps unintentionally.

        In other words, it isn’t always just the reaction on one side, sometimes contributing is the inability of the aggravated person to properly direct their irritation. I think it’s a little lame when people essentially say “I know I was totally just yelling at you as if you could somehow make the vendor behave how I wanted, but of course I’m not mad at YOU, you’re oversensitive”.
        hmm, or, maybe, you need to learn to control yourself a little better? LOL.

        I would say just ask yourself, did I have any role in creating this problem? If yes, fix it. If no, then scoop up that irritation and blame and hand it back to them. Gently, if it’s your boss. Maybe less gently if it’s not ;)

    3. You are not the only one. This happens to me periodically, probably because I’m my own worst critic. So when the higher up says “why didn’t the vendor tell us that?!”, my first reaction is to think “I should have asked more questions so that no information was left out!”, even if I asked 100+ questions, and I assume the higher up is thinking the exact same thing and now they are upset. It helps to consistently ask your supervisor for feedback so you get a chance to hear what they think of your work, versus what you think they think of it.

    4. One of the best pieces of advice I got in residency is “own your problems, don’t own other people’s problems.” Even if the partner is irritated with you, if you didn’t cause that problem, you need to practice not internalizing that. Taking responsibility for things you have no control over will make you crazy, and is ultimately a loser. While office politics are very tricky, I think the self confidence you display when you don’t own other people’s problems (or OPP, as I like to think of it) may be beneficial for your reputation. I’m not saying to loudly announce that it’s not your problem, but just to carry yourself with confidence, admit and rectify your mistakes and don’t apologize for things you had no control over.

      5. Do you think the same adage holds true for your significant other’s probs, not just office politics?

        1. I do. You may need to handle a situation more delicately and be more supportive, but even with your SO, you can’t fix every problem they encounter. Plus, piling on someone else’s problems on top of your own is a recipe for drowning.

    5. Oh gosh, I feel like I’ve had this problem the other way – I may be overwhelmed or frustrated with a situation and I try really hard to not express that in a way that staff whom I supervise would take it as directed toward them. Are you the kind of person who responds badly to others being annoyed or angry? That could be more of the issue. If you’ve had bad experiences with angry outbursts, you could be personalizing way more than the person intends. I suppose you could try reacting with positivity – saying “I have no idea – let’s see what we can do to make this right.”

  9. When: Thursday, Sept 27 kicking off at 5:30pm (I’ll be there until at least 8pm)
    Where: Encore Liquid Lounge in 312 Chicago (136 N LaSalle Street)
    Transit:
    Near the Clark/Lake el stop
    Valet parking is $12 for 3 hours
    I’ll repost this periodically until the day. This is going to be awesome-squared.
    Terry (ChicagoC o r p o r e t t e at gmail.com)

    1. I am starting to get a little intimidated to show up at this thing. I don’t remember the other meet-ups being so relentlessly marketed; they seemed friendlier and more low-key.

      1. She’s just trying to make sure everyone sees it, for those who don’t read consistently. I think that’s friendly.

      2. As someone who loves to attend these things, but would never plan one on my own, I think it’s nice of her to promote it so more people are included. Thank you for organizing (and to everyone else who does this for other cities)!

      3. not in Chicago, but don’t be intimidated! or overthink it. I was so nervous before my first meetup ;o), but it was so easy, we had so much fun, you will have a great time.

      4. Well, then buckle up Dallas gals, because I intend on posting again about our upcoming meet-up. BECAUSE I WANT TO INTIMIDATE YOU INTO SUBMISSION.

        … or because I just really, really want you to show up because I’m so pumped about meeting new people.

        1. Same goes for the Bay Area.

          Cafe Borrone in Menlo Park at 1pm on Saturday!

          We will have fun gosh darnit. I might even wear make-up.

  10. Question for the hive:
    Does anyone have experience with genetic counseling? My side of the family has a history of various health issues, and I’m somewhat concerned about the genetic ones. Is it worthwhile to seek out a specialist for this, or would a conversation with my GP suffice?
    FWIW, I’m not looking to immediately conceive, but want to have this conversation before TTC. Thanks!

    1. Schedule an appointment with your GYN to talk about TTC. Mine ran certain genetic tests then.

    2. Large hospitals (and definitely university hospitals) often have a genetic counsellor on staff who will take the time to go through a very detailed family history and advise you on your risks of inheritable disease. You could probably get a referral from your GP. IMO, this is the kind of thing you’d want a specialist for because there are a lot of complicated issues, both medically and ethically and emotionally, and there is no way you will be satisfied with your primary care, who is probably under educated about the issues and expected to see you in a 15 minute slot.

      1. Agreed. We saw one for our first bc of a history of genetic stuff on my side of the family, and also to explain our first-tri screen results.

        Also, some large hospitals have reproductive endocrinologists who specialize in PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis), if it’s the kind of situation where that might be useful and wanted.

      2. Agree w EC MD. I’m primary care and would refer you in a minute! You want the best, most up-to-date info for this. Good luck!

    3. You might talk to your OBGYN and get a recommendation to a genetic counselor that he/she has a relationship with. I went this summer though I’m also not yet TTC. It turns out the test I needed involved full genetic sequencing on me. Very few labs do this and it took the lab that ran it 8 weeks to analyze and get me results, so I’m really glad I did it early. Not sure what your family history is and what testing would be involved but it gave me peace of mind to talk to a counselor and have those results ahead of time.

    4. I have a genetic counselor in my family. I think you should go to a genetic counselor if you are at all concerned – a GP may not have as much experience, and the field changes constantly. If you are looking for a recommendation or referral, post an anon email address, and I would be happy to help.

    5. Yes, I have the BRCA1 gene, breast cancer gene. That probably is not what you are concerned about, but in any case, it really is true that knowledge is power. I strongly recommend genetic counseling. If any of my family and I had had the counseling, my identical twin sister’s breast cancer almost certainly would have been caught before it became Stage IIIc. (She is doing fine, five years later, miraculously!)

      If you are positive for a genetic issue, whether it be breast cancer or something else, very often more frequent or different screening can be of tremendous preventive help, or other options or more testing may be available. In my case, my twin and I should have been having digital mamograms and ultrasounds every six months. My ob/gyn, whom I adore and think the world of, just had little experience with genetic testing and never recommended it, despite having treated my mom for breast cancer and my having a family history screaming BRCA1.

      Anyway, get a REAL certified genetic counselor. They are very, very knowledgeable. They can tell you what genetic counseling will tell you. Some people told me not to get tested unless I was willing to have prophylactic mastectomy (I was), but I soon learned that the i nformation I would obtain could let me have my ins. co. pay for more frequent and more specialized testing.

      The testing is not going to answer all your questions, but it will tell you a lot, and the counselors will help you interpret and deal with that information.

      No other specialist, physician or otherwise and I have seen many, believe me, was anywhere close to as knowledgeable as the certified genetic couunselors I saw. Doctors mostly treat conditions, cancer, etc., and do not know nearly so much about the genetics behind conditions or how to estimate the likelihood of having a condition depending on your genetics.

      Apologizing in advance if this is too long. Obviously, this is somethng I feel strongly about.

      1. My college roommate and her bf got it because her brother passed away from cystic fibrosis. THey both had the gene. They ended up breaking up, not because of that, but it didn’t help.

    1. That dress is adorable, but I can’t figure out what you wear over such a thing when sleeveless won’t do….seems like everything would interfere with the peplum?

      1. Maybe something that’s a bit more cropped? Or, you could go the alternative route and wear a really loose cardigan.

        Not sure about layering a blouse under, but that might be a possibility as well.

      2. you can also wear one of the very popular blazers with a peplum that mimics the one on the shirt.

    4. I’ve tried it with a peplum blazer. I’ve worn it primarily on business casual days so have not needed to cover up. I keep a shawl in my office for when I’m working at my desk but take it off when I leave the office. I like that the neckline is conservative yet not matronly.

    5. That is such a great find, Bonnie. It might be the first time I’ve like a dress that has an exposed zipper. I think it is because the belt overlaps the zipper and the zipper does not go past the waist.

  12. I’m playing with what colors to pick for fall, and I could use some input – every season I pick out a palette of neutrals (usually suits I already own) and 3-4 colors. For fall, I picked out navy and charcoal as my neutrals, because I have two custom suits coming in those colors (yay!).

    But the colors have me thrown for a loop – I had chosen peac*ck blue, a medium-tone grey (more like greige really), and raspberry. I had also included my purple, black and navy tops, since they were “in the family.” But when I looked at my closet this morning, it was soo….dark. So I’m going to keep the bright blue, grey and raspberry, and I need one other color that is either a light tone or bright but not in the blue family.

    Options: Pantone shows “Tangerine Tango”, chartreuse and a pale rose color as some of this season’s colors. Pale rose blends with my skin and makes me look naked, so that’s out. Orange is exciting, but I don’t have anything in orange (literally, nothing at all) so I would welcome suggestions. I’m intrigued by the chartreuse color as well, but it scares me…and I own none of it.

    Thoughts?

    1. I would go with chartreuse – I think tangerine was all over everything in spring and summer so chartreuse will feel fresh for fall. It will also go way better with peac*ck blue, raspberry and purple.

      1. this is what I was going to suggest. teal/turquoise always make me happy – and they go with everything (not to be taken literally, but I find they are very versatile colors)

    3. Try a dull gold – I have a variety of tops and tanks in this colour range because they look snappy and nautical with navy and warm up a charcoal suit. Marigold yellow can look good too.

      1. +1 for mustard. (Even though I still stand by my nude-for-you suggestion. Mwahahahaha!)

    4. I think that a bright lipstick red would be gorgeous with the grey and the peacock blue. Yellow wouldn’t be terrible if you can pull it off, which very few can. I would also think that you could get away with a deep pink or a bright green.

    6. A vote for orange here. It goes beautifully with navy and feels very clean with charcoal.

      I wouldn’t go for tangerine, though. With pale, pinkish complexions, I’d aim for a dusky, warm orange gold that still pops. And the fantastic thing about orange is that you don’t need much of it!

      My wardrobe this fall is navy, camel, purple, and probably still the yellow I wore all summer. Between my orange scarf, orange mustardy tights, and orange statement necklace I’m planning on buying, I think I’ll be set for color.

    8. I love your organization around color.

      I don’t mind a dark wardrobe but that suits my coloring. (Dark hair, pale skin.)

      I would go with the orange. I think it would look beautiful with both navy and charcoal. I don’t like it with black, but it sounds like that’s not an issue for you.

    9. My vote is for orange. It always makes me happy, but then again I’m too big of a chicken to wear it myself.

      Curious as to where you order your custom suites? I’ve been dying to order one, but can’t seem to find anyone I know who has and a bit hesitant to try without a personal recommendation.

      1. I’m trying out Tom James for my suits – I’ve heard a very mixed set of reviews, but I was desperate. I can’t find pants in flattering styles (read: skinny pants are not kind to those of us with hips and small waists) or petite jackets meant for people with small b**bs. $2,500 for two suit coats, a skirt, two pairs of pants, and a dress isn’t that bad, if they fit and hold up for 3-4 years.

        And a stylist told me I look awful in marigold yellow (apparently it clashes with rose pink complexions, who knew?), and haven’t found sufficient chartreuse selection…so orange may be the winner. YAY!

        1. Waists are awesome. As someone who doesn’t have one, I can say I’m very jealous. :)

          That’s not bad for a great fit! I am imagining all the time time saved from constant night internet browsing, ordering, trying it on and sending it back. It sounds glorious… .

          Let me know how it works out.

    10. I love chartreuse in with charcoal, and it’s really great with the blue and raspberry you chose.

  13. How complicated a job is it to alter a dress in the bust/top (it’s a bit too big)? I usually have the opposite problem so have no idea what to expect.

    I bought this dress at H&M this weekend (http://tinyurl.com/9pwxgzy) but for it to not be NSFW, I sized up, except that now it’s a bit loose on top. I figure since it was only $35 to begin with, it would make sense to spend another $10-20 on alterations but I don’t want to get stuck with complicated expensive alterations on a cheap dress that may well fall apart on me in 6 mos. time. This should be simple, right??

    FWIW: for those of you who have a larger bust and skinnier legs, this dress is great. Not even close to as short, tight, or vampy as the website makes it look. Very comfy material. Neckline was not too low. Very pretty check pattern that would go great with navy, black, and brown.

    2. I see that it already has darts and seams up both sides of the bust. Those are both seams that can be opened and then re-closed with a better fit. Shouldn’t be too bad, even if there’s a lining. Nice find!

    3. It depends on the construction of the dress, but I agree with Monday, this should be no prob to alter, i had my tailor alter a sheath dress that was big on top, and all she had to do was take in the darts and it looks great!

      1. Thanks, guys! I am going to try to take it in this week. Here’s hoping I don’t pay more in alterations than I did for the dress itself ;)

  14. Today’s jacket is probably too short and boxy for me, but got me thinking.

    Has anyone found a darted or shaped cardigan? I am in a cold office so I am always wearing one. Mine range from boxy all the way to Grandma. I accumulated a few via frustrating series of mail orders that I never bothered to return. Sigh.

    I would like to upgrade and (gasp!) possibly try on before buying. Any thoughts?

    FWIW, I am really pear-shaped, so any extra fabric above the waist makes me look a ton larger than I am.

    1. What’s your price range and size? There are belted or peplum or structured cardigans out there, but a bit more guidance on size and price range would help with the finding of options a great deal.

      1. My earlier comments seem to have vanished.

        $ — OK to be spendy. Bonus for cashmere.

        Smallish top on average height; 6-8 hips though.

        Thanks!

        1. I am a similar size/shape to you. Have said this many times on here so apologies for the repetition, but look at the Cropped Cardigan on the Brora website. It is part of my work uniform and I buy one every year.

          1. So excited to find another Brora aficionada! I used to live down the street from the Notting Hill Brora and developed a huge Brora problem. Every year I buy one really distinctive piece from there too! I love them so, so much!

          2. I have so much from there, it is kind of a problem. It is probably good I don’t live in the UK anymore since I have basically never met a sweater from Brora that I didn’t like. My other favourite besides their cropped cardis, which I basically live in, is the brown Shetland cardigan they had a couple of years ago – I pull it out every winter and every single time I wear it, I get compliments. I heart Brora.

            (However, I have to say, for some reason I don’t get along well with their dresses. Skirts are great, but dresses, no.)

    2. Have you thought about a knit blazer? Then you have the comfort of a cardi, but the structure & shaping of a blazer.

      1. Oh hey, that cardigan is on my Talbot’s wish list. How’s the quality?

        Long is good (for 5’10” me) and hard to find so I wanted it immediately.

  15. Need some advice on fashion appropriateness. I’m doing a reading in a Catholic funeral this week. What to wear? All black? Suit separates? Dress? (All my black dresses are sleeveless so there would have to be either a blazer or a cardigan over it). I’m worried that a suit reads too severe but…I also don’t want to appear too informal either! I have a black pencil skirt and a long sleeved black blouse that could work with some jewelry.

    Help?

    1. I had the same “suit is too severe” concern for my grandmother’s funeral reading. I wore a black pencil skirt and a black and grey blazer with less formal jewelery. I thought my outfit was definitely acceptable, without being too severe to not formal enough.

    2. You definitely don’t need to wear all black. A black, navy, or grey dress would be perfectly appropriate, and color is ok too, as long as it’s not red or bright teal or something. This is just based on funerals I’ve attended, all of which have been Catholic. Suit separates are fine.

      1. Yes – somber colors, but doesn’t have to be all black if that doesn’t work for you.

        1. Thirding the dark but not necessarily black. Most readers in Catholic churches have a variety of styles. Dress or skirt/blouse or suit are all fine. Tasteful as you are, you’ll be fine! I agree with a pop of texture or color contrast in jewelry or scarf. If you are choosing bangles/bracelets, be aware of the jingly status and the microphone. Better to avoid moving pieces, per se. Just be comfortable. You have my tender hugs for your loss; I hope it was a well lived, long life that can be celebrated too.

    3. I think separates are best. Black dress with either black or charcoal gray cardigan or pencil skirt with black or gray top and black cardigan (although all black tends to look too severe).

    4. I think dress/jacket strikes the right note, with color in the jewelry (and dark but not black shoes? purple?). I wore a v dark navy dress and blazer to a funeral last year and got several compliments (yes, at a funeral, go figure).

    5. I wore a gray dress and gray wedges to do a reading at my Catholic grandmother’s funeral Mass. Most of the other women were wearing similar dark-colored dresses, but not necessarily black. Depending on the part of the country you’re from, a suit may be fine (in DC I’d bet most people would be in suits).

      1. Good point. My sympathies got lost in clothing discussions. I’m very sorry, TCFKAG.

    7. I planned my Grandmother’s Catholic funeral and wore a simple black dress with a cardigan over it. I would go with a dress + blazer/cardigan. Unless the funeral is likely to attract a lot of business associates, people probably won’t be wearing suits.

  16. No actual suggestions, but to deal with your current cardigans – little belts over the cardigan or cardigan clips at the waist.

    FAOD I love the idea of cardigan clips, but have never seen them for sale anywhere.

    1. Try Etsy! Maybe we can enlist Kanye East?

    2. I use big brooches as cardigan clips. I usually pin it it in the back towards the middle of my lower back to nip in a cardigan. Wider, flatter ones work best. Sometimes, I’ll also pin looser sweaters asymetrically on the side (but that’s less a work look, usually me-time only).

  17. Last week, someone kept posting about pretty pencil skirts that came in green, oxblood, purple, and I can’t remember where they where from (also bogo 50 off I think). Could you please repost the link? TYIA!

    1. I think it may have been NY&Co, although I wasn’t the poster. I know there was some talk of colorful skirts from there recently.

      2. Do these stretch out like the j crew No. 2 pencil? I suppose they wouldn’t because they’re polyester, not cotton, but now I’m paranoid.

      4. *Raises hand* Pusher here, I have the same colors Sydney Bristow mentioned and I love them. They have a good amount of stretch, but do not stretch out during the day. I love them and if they had more conservative colors, I would have more than three.

      5. Mine don’t stretch out, but I don’t have the Jcrew one to compare. Unfortunately for my response abilities, I’ve been losing weight so I have no idea what size I actually am right now anywhere else as I’ve bought all my clothes there recently because of some really great sales.

  18. Ladies, I will be attending my first closing dinner this month and am sort-of clueless on what I should wear. For some background, I am a second year associate at a bigger midlaw firm. The dinner will be held at a seafood restaurant on the coast. FWIW, I’ll be the only associate there. Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated!

    1. Definitely no expert, but the only closing dinners I’ve ever been to, we went to straight from work (so, definitely just work clothes as opposed to work-to-c***tail clothes like you might see for a firm party). My firm is fairly casual, but the men tended to do jackets and ties — I think the perfect outfit is a sheath dress or something similar with a blazer or some other form of jacket (that way you’re not in an interview-type suit, but are arguably “business formal” enough that if all of the men show up in full suits, you won’t feel weird).

    2. I’ve never been to a closing dinner but I’ve been to business dinners on the coast that have resulted in everyone having lobster. I have a bar one coming up. I love lobster but I have a very hard time eating it professionally. Some people can make dainty cracks in shells and pull their meat right out. I’m more of the shells flying across the room, guts all over my plate type of lobster eater. If you are too, you might want to read up on how to use crackers properly and how to eat a lobster in a “formal” setting.

      1. I’m so glad I’ve never had to eat lobster in a formal setting. Where I come from, you eat lobster at home, with newspaper covering the table, lots of napkins (for all that melted butter and lobster juice), and big pots to put everyone’s shells in.

      2. I’m laughing at the lobster eating descriptions above, but I think I would avoid lobster entirely at a professional event if you are given the choice to order off the regular menu. Order a salmon steak or something easy to eat without making a mess. Of course this doesn’t apply if they order food for you–you just have to muddle through at that point. For messy foods I usually just eat what I can without making a mess and grab a snack after the event if I need to.

    3. Cosign the sheath dress suggestion. This is what I usually have worn and it’s never inappropriate. Congrats on finishing your deal!

    4. You should wear a suit. I went to my first closing dinner a couple of months ago. I was originally not invited to the dinner because they wanted to keep it small. On the day of the event, I was asked to go. As a previous poster mentioned, we left straight from the office to the restaurant. That day, I had worn to work a dress with a cardigan. Needless to say, I felt very under-dressed. To top it off, not only was I the only associate there, I was the only female.

  19. Ugh. I think I dislike just about everything Alice + Olivia has ever made. This blazer is just boxy and unflattering, including on the model. The loose threads sound like an added annoyance.

    I’m just surprised that this label Alice + Olivia has survived this long. I remember that some years ago, all they did was a bunch of cheap-looking A-line mini-dresses with no contouring whatsoever. They were the standard beginner sewer’s: make a dress, cut three holes, DONE type things in loud colors.

    1. I actually tend to love just about everything Alice + Olivia has ever made! I’m a total sucker for sequins, so that’s part of it. Even when sequins aren’t involved, though, I think a lot of their things capture a vibe similar to the one I try to create — feminine, but not overly dainty or frilly, sometimes a kind of rocker edge, classics with a twist. I don’t know.

      It probably helps that I totally love A-line mini dresses because I have a tummy but decent legs, haha.

      1. Also, their dress pants with the wide waistband and leather detailing are amazing.

    2. I have an Alice + Olivia dress that is cut extremely narrowly. I was under the impression that most of the line was this way, but I haven’t tried on any jackets from the brand.

    3. I’m a mix on A&O. Some of their stuff is really classy and some of it is totally eh. It depends on season and style and what you like.

      Much like other designers, frankly. But its all out of my price range so, bright side, it doesn’t really matter. :-)

    4. I’m in love with the last gown displayed from A+O in Jamie Beck’s photos here. I agree with other commenters that it’s hit and miss, although I’d say there’s a decent amount of variety in the clothing.

  20. Ugh, this looks like it’s trying to be imitation Chanel but failing miserably. . . and if I want imitation chanel I can definitely get it for a better fit and much cheaper than $500.

  21. I am a 2l and am going to meet a female attorney for drinks later this week. I am looking to learn more about what she does and possibly volunteer with her firm. I don’t want to over or under-dress. What should I wear?

    1. I would wear a casual or trendy suit, preferably with a bright/interesting top. Not an “interview suit” look, but still professional and easy to pull off. I don’t think it would be wrong/improper to wear a non-suit business casual outfit, but it’s harder to put together a really great one.

    2. I would wear nice pants/skirt and a crisp button down and leave the jacket at home. A suit seems like overkill to me–at least from an NYC perspective.

    3. skirt and nice top are okay. I would go with the upper end of business casual. You want something to show that you’re trying to impress, but not over the line into “weirdo” category.

      With my law school wardrobe in mind (actual things I owned in law school), I would have worn: knee length skirt & wrap top, knee length skirt and button up blouse, grey trousers and white button down with pearls

  22. Shoe help! I need to find a pair of nude (which for me is light beige) pointy-toe flats. Ideally, I’d like to spend less than $125. I’m looking for something with support that will hopefully hold up well. My feet are narrow, but I don’t always buy narrow sizes. Via Spiga has the only nice pair that I found but they are $185 and more than I am willing to spend. I have a pair of Sam Edelman black pointy-toe flats that took a lot of wearing in, but now are pretty comfortable. Unfortunately I couldn’t find anything similar in a nude for me color. Anyone know of any shoes that fit this description? Thanks!

    4. I tried on a pair of “nude” Ivanka Trump pointy flats in L&T this summer and was pleasantly surprised by their fit/quality. I am not sure if they’ve sold out, I only see a sling back version available online and I tried it on, too, and it sucked.

  23. The right side elbow of all of my shirts, cardigans whatever are getting holes in them. What am I doing? How can I stop this?

    1. Are you left handed? Do you use your mouse with your left hand and then use your right hand to prop up your face as you look at your computer screen?

    2. If you’re like me, you rest your elbow on your chair’s arm rest while you’re using your computer mouse… that might be doing it.

      Buy blazers with elbow patches! :) Other than that, I don’t have suggestions other than changing the way you sit )

    3. Check for and smooth any spots on your chair or desk that may be snagging.

  24. TTC question. Anyone have any experience with implantation spotting? We’re ttc, Aunt Flo is very late (5 days and I’m very regular) but have had extremely light spotting, but without Flo’s usual friends (tenderness, cramps — plus Flo is generally not a “light” visitor for me). Took a few home tests and all came back negative. What’s up? I’ll certainly call my Dr if this goes on, but thought I’d see if anyone had any experience like this.

    1. No experience TTC but I have several friends who are. You can get some spotting early on that isn’t necessarily implantation spotting, which as I understand it should’ve happened already; my mom had “periods” at their normal time for the first 4 months of both of her pregnancies. If you’re going to call your doctor anyway, why not set up an appointment for a test? Fingers crossed!

    2. For tomorrow, can you retest first thing in the morning (overnight bladder)? Some early hormones are faint and you may need all of them to get anything to show. FWIW, with D2, I took a test within a day of missing my period; my line was so faint that my husband couldn’t see it and I was thinking it was wishful thinking that I did see it.

      Good luck!

    3. i had this with my first pregnancy. at first i didnt even know i was pregnant b/c i thought it was just a light Flo. then it got heavier after i realized i was pregnant, and totally freaked me out. It all turned out OK — my son is now 5 — but i would suggest going to your doctor to put your mind at ease.

    4. I’d take another test first thing in the morning tomorrow. I took a test about 4 days after my missed period which was negative, at the 7 day mark (after my missed period) it was positive.
      Good luck!

  25. It seems like the belts I wear at the hip over my pants are too large when belted over a cardigan. Do I need to start getting belts in two sizes – one for trousers and jeans and another for wearing over cardigans etc?

    1. Yes. This is what I have. Maybe people who are more apple/banana shaped can just do with one set, but I’m a pear and if a belt fits my hips, the end would be too long and floppy if I belted it tighter over my waist.

    2. or tie off the end of the belt- I think jcrew’s website styling often show that if you want an example

      1. This. Buy them big enough to wear at your hips, and then do a belt knot when you wear it at the waist. You can even buy a belt hole puncher thing (try Amazon) to add extra holes to make it small enough for your waist.

        1. If you have a handy garage at home, you can use an electric drill with a bit or even a drill press to make additional holes. I imagine a shoemaker could as well, but that may come with a price…

  26. I just booked a trip to Europe for this winter – I’ll be traveling around Austria (+maybe northern Italy or Germany). I already own winter boots but they are UGG style and not waterproof for walking in snow. Any recs for warm and truly waterproof winter boots? I’m looking for something reasonably stylish and under $100. I will be wear a long puffy belted parka and will probably scream American no matter what though!

    1. Sorel! If you’re looking for fashionable, practical boots, Sorel is the way to go. They’re clearing out last year’s boots on 6pm, so you can get them on sale, although this year’s on zappos are gorgeous, for more than you specified.

      Any ladies in Minneapolis or Toronto have some suggestions?

      1. Thanks! Do you own a pair? I think I like Cate the Greats the best but have read many reviews that they rub on the ankle and are uncomfortable. I like the Joan of Arctics too but worry they might be too heavy to wear all day sightseeing.

        1. I own Cate the Greats and love them. They don’t rub on my ankles, but they may be very personal in fit. I love them and they keep me totally warm and dry, but I only really need them in the middle of a snow storm. Living in a very snowy place, I’ve realized that most of the time, the streets and sidewalks are so plowed and groomed that I don’ t need anything.

    2. I love my Sorels. They’re not cheap but you can often find them on sale (unless you’re looking for the Caribou style, which almost always sells out before it gets marked down).

      1. Thanks! Which style do you have? I was looking at Cate the Greats on sale for $100 but there were so many reviews saying they rubbed on the achilles and were uncomfortable. Also, I’m 5’3 and am worried they will hit my knees.

        1. I think it depends on the shape of your foot. I have Cate the Greats and adore them so would recommend that you find a pair to try on if possible. Don’t rule them out! For reference, I have feet that are wide at the ball but very narrow at the heel, and very high arches.

        2. I have the ones that look like the Caribou but came in different colors of patent leather. Mine are an eggplant color, but I remember seeing them in black and teal when I got them (it was about 3 years ago). They’re heavy and can get a little too warm if you end up wearing them inside (say, walking around a mall), but I really like them. My husband has a pair of Caribous and he initially didn’t like how they hit the back of his calves when he walked, but he’s pleased with how they’ve broken in. They can definitely be on the clunky side, but you can’t beat them for durability.

    4. Are you looking for boots to do active stuff in, or boots to wear while doing some walking, but mostly standing/sitting around? If the former, then I’d suggest looking at North Face/Columbia/Keen winter type hiking boots. If the later, then Sorels are good.

      I have a pair of the Cates and they are good from tromping around/standing in the snow, but I wouldn’t take them hiking. I think the rubbing problem comes from people who bought the boots to fit snug around the foot, which isn’t ideal for winter boots. The soles of the boots just don’t bend well, so your heel lifts out (and will end up rubbing on the boot). So, size up so you can wear a sock and still wiggle your toes – your feet actually stay warmer if you have a little air pocket in your boot and your foot/sock isn’t jammed in there. The boot shaft is pretty tall, so you might want to see if you can get a measurement on the shaft height for your shoe size to see if that’s really how high you want.

      1. And really – you don’t need anything that tall unless you are spending a lot of time outside tromping through deep snow. If anything, they’ll just be heavy. If you just need something for tooling around outside where there’s probably going to be mostly plowed/shoveled streets and sidewalks, I’d go with a lower shaft.

      2. Mostly sightseeing, just walking around in/out of buildings. Hiking may happen but isn’t planned yet.

        I definitely don’t want anything heavy, but then boots that are made of sheepskin and are labeled “waterproof” don’t seem to actually keep your feet dry if there’s snow. I saw a cute pair of North Face boots labeled as waterproof with reviews of people complaining that they soaked through in snow. Maybe everywhere will be plowed but I’m nervous because I live in the Midwest and my Uggs definitely get soaked through after being outside for awhile.

  27. Thanks to everyone who posted in the weekend thread with guest-of-wedding dress ideas for me! Gave me lots to consider – for example I’d totally forgotten Boden makes their dresses in tall!

  28. A good friend of mine just made the very difficult decision to terminate her pregnancy after learning that the baby had Down Syndrome.

    Can anyone recommend a small gift to send her through an email? She lives across the country. I had a long chat with her and will call her often, but I’d also like to send her something.

    Also, please no judgey comments about her decision. It is an awful situation to be in and I’m not sure what I would have done in their position, but I certainly respect their decision and want to support my friend.

    1. Some may disagree with me, but I’m not sure a gift is appropriate. To me gifts should commemorate something – and this isn’t the kind of thing she probably doesn’t want to commemorate. What about just sending a nice thinking of you card with a letter tucked inside? I feel like handwritten cards/letters are done so rarely nowadays (what with email and texts, etc) that I’m sure the thought would be greatly appreciated.

      1. That’s a good point. When I say gift, I was thinking about a book on grieving, but maybe a card is a better option. Thanks.

        1. I actually like the ideas people gave below–a “take care of yourself” gift. I have *no* idea what your friend is going through. However, I recently had a sad event (not nearly as sad as this, yet still one I wouldn’t seek to commemorate) in my life, recently, and a friend sent me organic dark chocolate bars. It made me smile. It’s still making me smile, though I’ve not eaten any of them yet, because I understood my friend’s message of “Take care of yourself”.

          A book on grieving may or may not be a good idea, depending on the amount of practice grieving she’s had during her life.

    2. Flowers, chocolate, candles. I think that the gift is really not the important part — the important part is that you are thinking of her and took time to send her something. Whatever you send, be sure to include a nice, simple note reflecting how much you care about her. I would steer clear of anything that is designed for this kind of occasion (sympathy card, etc.).

    3. Your poor friend. Maybe some nice thinking of you flowers or a gift card to their favorite restaurant that delivers? I would think after going through something like that, I would want to take it easy for awhile.

      Also, please make sure your friend has access to the appropriate counseling she needs. I can’t believe how devastating it is and would imagine she and her husband may need help coping.

    4. a take care of yourself care package?

      chocolates, wine, easy movie
      coffee gift card (with a note to take some time for yourself)
      flowers (because she’s likely feeling pretty blue)

    5. A spa gift certificate to a place near her (manicure, pedicure, massage)? I think something “self-care” oriented is what one gives for miscarriages and the like.

    6. Thanks everyone. All good ideas. She is seeing a therapist, by the way. She’s feeling quite down, as is to be expected.

    7. How kind of you for supporting her. When I lost a pregnancy, I was given a book of poems by one friend, and a small watercolor by my mother in law. Both immensely personal and still appreciated to this day.

  29. Salary Threadjack! I posted this on the South America post, but no one seems to be reading that, so…

    I got a job offer! Now I’m wondering if it’s possible to negotiate too much. They proposed a salary, which was lower than I wanted, and I proposed one that was 10k higher. We’ve met halfway (60k). Is it worth it to counteroffer again and see if I could move that up even a few thousand? I don’t want to be too pushy and annoy them into rescinding the offer (because it’s basically my dream job), but the job will entail moving to NYC and any little bit more would help. This job is in a different industry that tends to be lower paying than the one I’m in now, but the current 60k offering is about 5k less than i’m making in my current position, which is in a much less expensive city. I’ve already asked about signing bonuses/relocation/transport subsidies and they don’t do any of that, so I think the actual salary is the only thing up for discussion.

    My last salary negotiation was actually my only one– I was right out of college and it was a total lucky break, so I’m a little freaked out by the prospect of doing it again and am not sure what’s reasonable. I would love your advice!

    1. I’ll preface this by saying that I’m in consulting. Things might be a bit different in other industries, so take that into account.

      If you feel comfortable that you’re a desired candidate and they’re filling a specific need vs. just finding a body to fill a position and also you’re not drastically changing careers (i.e. your existent position is very relevant to the new one), I would counteroffer. Be honest with them. Say that you’re very excited about this opportunity and are really looking forward to start, however, you currently make $XX and are moving to NYC, so you’re hoping to either (i) have them raise a salary to $XX (higher what they offered but lower than the initial amount) or (ii) have them offer your a bonus to help with the move. If they do that, you’re ready to sign the offer immediately. Do not be apologetic, i.e. avoid “I was wondering… I was hoping… etc”. Go for the, “Thank you for the offer. I appreciate you responding to me. I am really excited about this opportunity however I would like to discuss compensation again. As you know I make XX now and moving to NYC, so … “.

      Personally, I would always try to go for salary increase vs. a bonus; better for you in the long-term. Also, make sure you’re honest about your current salary with them; not saying you’re not, but we’ve had a couple of times where we actually requested a candidate to provide a pay stub, because we thought what they quoted as their current salary was not true; wasn’t pretty, so just be prepared in case they ask to see your pay stub.

      Good luck!

  30. TJ: I just scheduled my first appointment with a Nordstrom stylist – so excited!!! My SO does not really care about these sorts of things, but I had to share with people who would appreciate it. I probably never would have unless I had heard such great things about it on this site. Thanks ladies!!

    1. There needs to be a term for things that are best shared with/appreciated by the hive. Hiveshare?

        1. Oops, that was meant to be in direct response to CountC. I wanted to ^Hivefive^ her.

        3. Love Hivefive! (and I realized my awful grammar AFTER I posted – “so I” not “but I.”

    2. Yay! I am not a shopper and so appreciate all my stylist does for me. She’s wonderful!

      I went back on Friday for a suit for my upcoming headshot. I got a suit, a blouse, an extra pair of pants, a pretty necklace, and a cute dress (and saw the tailor) within 1.5 hours of entering the store. She saves me so much time!

      I do end up spending about twice as much as I normally would on work clothes. But I get higher quality clothing, a wardrobe that “works” together (she can look up my past purchases so she knows what I have), and I don’t spend every Saturday at the mall looking for work clothes.

      1. Your lady is at Stanford, right Karen? I’d love a rec :). Stanford paired me with their “premiere” PS who is clearly used to selling St. John to Ladies Who Lunch and Athertonians and Executives. She makes home deliveries for her customers, lol. I’m not the right customer for her, but it sounds like yours might be right for me!

        1. Yes, her name is Melyssa Minamoto. She’s former BigLaw and has a few patent attorney/IP litigation clients (my connection to her is at Shepard Mullin).

          She did make me go outside my comfort zone (sleeveless tops! bright pink! leather blazer! to work?!) but she does understand the weird grey area that is business-casual-for-female-attorneys in Silicon Valley. I also kind of feel that being out of law school for 7 years now that I can and should take more liberties with my wardrobe.

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