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Bargain Friday’s TPS Report: BB Dakota Daphne Top

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. We like this cool white top from BB Dakota, with just enough detailing to make it really interesting. We like the knotted bits at the scoopneck; we also like loose fit of it — we'd wear it tucked into a skirt or pants, bloused a bit. It's $45 at Urban Minx in sizes XS to L. BB Dakota Daphne Top If you've recently seen a great work piece you'd like to recommend to the readers, please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. Unless you ask otherwise, we'll refer to you by your first initial. (L-0)

Sales of note for 12.5

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

89 Comments

  1. Ahoy, matey! Jack Sparrow wants his shirt back.

    This would not be appropriate for my office. Yikes.

  2. I’ve tried on a few shirts like this when they were on sale at Loft for $9.99 last spring and can’t tell you how unflattering they were. If you have any sort of chest, the baggy fit just makes you look pregnant.

    1. I don’t know if I agree.
      I have a shirt very similar to this that (I think) is very flattering, and I have quite a bit of a chest (34D).
      I think with a top like this cut, fit, and fabric really matter, and the smallest details make a huge difference. I am not surprised the ones at Loft would be unflattering, I think most of the stuff at Loft (aside from the most basic tanks) is unflattering and roughly cut (at least on me).
      But I would not rule these types of shirt out. They can be lovely and quite comfortable. I am not recommending you order online, nec., but maybe try another version on from a more fashion/fit conscious maker sometime. You might really like it (I know I really like mine!).

    3. Agree about the baggy shirts these days. There have been several silk BR shirts that would have been beautiful if they just weren’t so box-like and huge and long! I don’t look good in a piece of fabric draped over me, I need some structure and nipping in at the right spots to create a feminine figure (or at least the illusion of one).

      Also why can’t nice blouses actually stop at the waist, instead of being 6 inches too long so you either have to tuck them in (uncomfortable for me) or leave them out and risk looking sloppy.

      1. I often get petite tops at AT/Loft because the shirts in regulars are too low cut and too long on me. I have a long torso, so I imagine the problem is even more pronounced on ladies who are more proportional. I can’t wear anything long sleeved from petites, but the 3/4 and short sleeved shirts are just perfect.

  3. Wow I don’t like this

    This is not a criticism re posting it btw. Just think it is ugly and the model looks terrible. On any kind of bust (even the one the model has) it looks atrocious.

    Absolutely hideous – and I liked that patterned green cardigan thing yesterday.

  4. Not a big fan of this either…reminds me of 80’s clubwear. I think the lead singer from the Bangles used to wear shirts like this.

    But, the 80’s ARE back, I am just still warming up to this concept.

    1. I’m having a hard time even considering warming up to the 80’s being back. I just have to look back to pictures of high school to be reminded that there really was nothing flattering about 80’s style and fashion. The only positive is we were moving past polyester fire hazard wear.

      Ugh, and I’m dating myself. LOL.

    2. They could have at least done a wider scoop neck, so you could uncover one shoulder, Fame-style.

      With a matching headband.

      :p

  6. Not a fan. It reminds me of the t-shirts that everyone would cut and tie for Spirit Day in high school. Not really an image I want to portray at work. I do think that under a jacket it probably wouldn’t look that bad with some fun gold jewelry, but I don’t want to have to work that hard to make something look appropriate.

    1. That’s exactly what I thought of too. My two aunts taught me how to make those knotted t-shirts when I was a kid – cut the strips from the bottom of the t-shirt, tie the knots, etc. I do not see this as a work look at all. If you paired it with footless tights and legwarmers, some L.A. Gears, and an acidwash jean jacket – just like we used to do it in the 80s – then you’ve really got something. :)

    3. I remember those! Good call! It’s one thing to try to re-work a shirt you already own that’s fallen out of style – but to spend money on something that you first have to work to make appropriate to wear out of the house? No way – there is A LOT of good clothing out there!

  7. the styling on this is not helping – untucked with capris or shorts on the weekend would be much cuter (not to mention skipping the dated hair/makeup).

    1. Agreed. The styling makes it look terrible, but it could actually be pretty cute.

  8. Does anyone think cut-outs are ever office-appropriate? I could not imagine wearing this to work under any circumstances.

    1. Nope, my opinion is that cut-outs are inappropriate if you work in a law-firm or as in-house counsel.

  9. I think the pregnant-looking problem *could* be solved by tucking it into a high-waisted skirt. That said, the neckline would be a nightmare to anyone who has to wear a bra that’s at all supportive.

    1. I think the neckline would be a nightmare for anyone, period. I’d be constantly terrified that it would shift slightly downward and expose the top of my bra, or to the side, exposing bra straps.

    2. I don’t know how long this shirt is, but I often have bunching problems when I try to tuck in less fitted cotton/modal shirts. I assume it’s longer so it can be used as a tunic.

  11. Showing your bra strap through cut outs is never appropriate – in the office or out of it… and tucking in a shirt just adds bulk to your waistband – not flattering – and gives the appearance of a belly – and why would you want to add weight there??

    1. I don’t think the rule about tucking in a shirt = not flattering is even remotely universal.
      I think it can be very flattering, and looks neat & polished. Obviously different things work for different people, but I wouldn’t treat that as any sort of maxim (unlike say, no one looks in high wasted, relaxed fit jeans, e.g.)

      1. Sorry — I’m yet to see a woman who wore a tucked in shirt with any level of polish. Some carry it off better than others, but even the super skinny model looks frumpy/chubby. And when you tuck in the shirt you have to put somewhere… which is why you end up with all the extra fabric stuffed into your waistband – which adds to the total girth of your waist

        1. I think there is a difference between saying that *this* shirt looks badly/awkward tucked in and *all*shirts look badly/awkward tucked in, or make the wearer look frumpy/chubby.

          I see a lot of women on a daily basis who look great with tucked-in shirts, provided that the shirt is the right size, meant to be tucked in as an option, and paired with the right bottoms. Totally disagree that it adds to your waistline.

        2. Completely disagree. Shirt tucked into a skirt or pair of pants of decent fabric weight looks neat and professional — assuming, as Anon says above, the shirt is meant to be tucked in, is of appropriate length, etc. If the pants or skirt are of lighter weight than the shirt, or if they are very snug and/or unlined, then you may run into a problem with the shirt showing through the fabric. Traditional corporate attire requires the shirt to be tucked in, and I’ve seen many women carry this off without looking frumpy or chubby.

    2. I don’t agree that tucking in a shirt adds bulk to your waistband and gives the appearance of a belly. I also don’t agree that leaving it untucked is always flattering/hides flaws. It isn’t universal.

      1. I also disagree that tucking shirts in always looks bad. In fact, I think UNtucked button-downs or blouses with suits look sloppy!

        I do think that tucked-in tends to look better if the shirt is fitted through the waist area and doesn’t “blouse over” the waistband. The final key is to have your pants/skirt waistband be at a rise level that is flattering to your figure.

    3. Are you saying you should never tuck in a shirt? That seems odd as my thinking has always been the exact opposite. About 75% of the time one will look much more polished with her shirt tucked in.

      1. Shayna are you even serious? That’s like saying you never saw a pair of pants look good on anyone. Makes no sense. If anything, I would understand saying the opposite: that untucked shirts look bad because some consider it sloppy (though I disagree if the shirt is on the shorter side).

        1. The length of the top/fit dictates whether to tuck or not to tuck. If the latter, make sure it’s a well fitting (but not tight) top that hits at the hip bone and no longer.

          Any longer and you tuck.

          Post baby, I’m trying to do untucked (also I am short waisted) and when I follow this rule, it works. Check out this link – really useful tips.

          http://youlookfab.com/2009/08/26/to-tuck-or-not-to-tuck/

  12. H&M has similar shirts but with a significantly smaller amount of cut outs around the neckline. They don’t look right on me but I’ve seen other people where them under jackets with a high stance and it looks very professional.

  13. Totally inappropriate for my office, even under a jacket. Just doesn’t look professional. Cute for a weekend, though. Agree w/other posters – ixnay on the cutouts at the office.

    1. It’s a very interesting color, but I have to say that I really don’t like the waistband. You could leave your shirt untucked to cover it up, but the elastic is so big and obviously meant to be seen – I think it might show through your top. It also seems pretty short for work, even considering how tall the model probably is.

      1. For work? I assumed the OP was asking about the skirt for weekend/evening wear, not for work, since it is shiny and gold.

    2. i think this skirt would only work if you have a flat stomach. i would wear a black top and tuck it in. For shoes, strappy heels (black, nude, or gold) or ballet flats (same colors).

    3. I like the skirt for non-office fun! I’d definitely wear it with a shirt that would look good tucked in and non-metalic ballet flats.

    4. Agree – (1) Definitely not for work, and (2) wear with a fitted, tucked-in, basic top and simple shoes. The focus of the outfit is the skirt.

    5. An elastic waistband is worrisome. It screams to me “I could sew this myself,” and dear, equally lovely fabric is to be had for far less than $89.50 per yard.

    6. I have something similar to this and I never wear it b/c when it’s on, it looks like something I made at home and not very well–the waistband just makes you look frumpy.

    1. Cute but (1) who is “we” and (2) who is the “we” who pays $400+ for a cotton shirt? Really?

      1. Oh boy here come the adverts. I refuse to buy anything from net-a-porter even if I could afford it.

  16. I see a correlation between people who were wearing this stuff in the 80s and people who don’t like it now… those of us who are in our early 20s now and thus didn’t wear this trend the first time around don’t have the same negative connotations with it now.

    It seems like everyone’s comments on here are just getting so picky… Kat can’t pick out a 100% winner every time, especially since she is catering to so many age/style/income brackets… sometimes there is just going to be a bit of a “younger” or “older” piece, and I don’t think that calls for 30 comments saying “I don’t like it”. Those comments have no value, and don’t really help anyone. Something like “I have a shirt like this and it bunches,” or “I’d be concerned about bra straps” are valid, but, come on, who cares if you just plain don’t like it. We’re on Kat’s style blog, not yours.

    2. Yes, but Kat has comments enabled, which basically means she is soliciting comments. She’s also elected not to require registration or filter all comments through a review, which means there’s going to be an open exchange of ideas here – including ideas some people dislike. Anne Klein didn’t partner with Kat for her fabulous fashion sense (or at least, not entirely) – they partnered with her because this blog (the comments included) draws eyeballs of young professional women, exactly the eyeballs that Anne Klein wants to reach. I disagree that “30 comments saying ‘I don’t like it'” have “no value.” They have entertainment value, and entertainment is a huge part of why people read blogs. If you just want the style advice and don’t want to read “no value” comments, then just read the blog postings and don’t click through to the comments thread. Seems pretty simple to me.

    3. I think a lot of the items appeal to some and not to others. And the comments are to provide a forum to articulate discussion and opinions. There have been items that I loved that the majority of comments were negative, and while I disagreed, the comments provided an opportunity to look at the piece with a different, more critical eye. Didn’t change my final opinion, but allowed me to *see* it through another person’s perspective. The negative comments are not directed at Kat personally, they are expressive of a different opinion.

    4. I disagree that these kinds of comments have no value. If there are several negative comments, it means that even if I like it, I should give it a second thought. It helps me to know how people view certain items and provides a check on my fashion sense against other people’s.

    5. I’m 25 and I think this shirt is dated, unprofessional due to the cut-outs showing your bra strap, and unattractive since it would have to be tucked in which I don’ think is stylish or flattering or left out it would make even the slimmest woman look pregnant. It has nothing to do with my memories of the 80s. If you don’t like someone stating an opinion, keep scrolling.

      1. Also 25. Think it is horrible.

        Also, we don’t need to be oversensitive. It’s one thing to criticise Kat for posting something (beyond the line),it’s another to say you can’t give any opinions on the clothes at all. Why are we all here then?

  17. Thanks for all of your tips on the BR skirt readers. I will probably pass on it! Enjoy the weekend!

  18. I’m pretty sure the point of the posts and the comment sections are to express opinions about the selections. It would be a boring and pointless blog if every comment was “ohhh, pretty!” Fashion is subjective – let’s not kid ourselves that any one of us hasn’t at some point worn something at some point that someone else hated or thought was inappropriate for work. For me, however, there is a huge difference between those comments expressing dislike for an outfit and those comments deriding other people who have a different opinion. I have noticed a huge uptick in the latter over the past few week … not sure if there is a solution for it, but wish there was some way those people would go away.

    (I obviously have criticized TPS selections, including today’s, so take this with whatever grain of salt you want.)

    2. I totally agree people should be expressing opinions – my viewpoint is that as boring as it would be to have every comment be “ohhh, pretty!”, it is as boring to scroll through a bunch of people saying “not a fan”. I love it when people add a little something for readers to think about, like “not a fan, this reminds me of the 80s, but perhaps the same shirt in black/silk/a narrower neck/whatever wouldn’t have the same 80s feel”

    3. Agree— its like the group think that led my friends and I as children to believe that wearing mismatched colored socks was a good idea — had someone actually challenged the taste level, we would have taken a step back and realized how idiotic we looked —- hearing the honest opinion of other professional women is a great perspective. That said, if you don’t like it, don’t read it.

      1. Haha – found a picture of mys teenage self working that trend recently! We did the double-up thing with a blue sock over pink on one foot and pink over blue on the other.

      2. Shayna- I’ve noticed you’re all over this blog today!! Must be enjoying a day off work :)

  19. This year’s good blouses are all darted to follow the body. That puffy- above the waist look is very 1910.

  20. Agree with the majority on this one — a rare miss for Kat’s selection.

    I do think that super skinny, small chested women can

    1. hmmm. Somehow posted before I finished typing. It’s been that kind of day.

      Anyway, what I was trying to express is that this look is easy to pull off if you happen to be super tall, super skinny, and small chested (none of which I am, sadly). Not for work, though, even if you managed to make it look good.

  21. You know, I thought about NOT posting my comment regarding dislike for this shirt…I thought, wow, this is probably going to turn into 200 comments about how no one likes it.

    But I posted anyway, because it shows Kat her readers are paying attention and able to express opinions. Plus it’s fun “chatting” with eachother in some form of internet comradery. It’s entertaining to know what others think of outfits too. Because as someone said, even if you like it, do you want to wear it if 200 other people hate it and think it looks bad? Maybe you do, maybe you don’t…

    As I learned in business school, feedback is a gift. Use it however makes you happy, or skip over it for another post that better meets your needs.

    1. Agree. It’s like going shopping with a friend. You show her something, she likes it, you try it on and discuss it. Or you show it to her, she makes her Are You Crazy? face, and you put it back.

  22. I like this, but don’t think I could wear it to work, the lattice-holes would probably be too revealing in front, but maybe it depends on how far it comes down when it’s on you and not on a model.

  23. I didn’t really like this at all, BUT I was in BR Outlet today and saw a shirt that I LOVED with similar detailing at the neck. So I guess it can be done in a way that I personally would like it. The BR shirt wasn’t as wide-collared and had less skin showing between cutouts. It also had an adorable cropped cardi over it. Overall though, I thought it really worked.

  24. I’m not a fan of this, but I have to say I saw a woman wearing it today in NYC and was very excited for a corporette spotting.

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