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Bargain Friday’s TPS Report: Delia*s Calista Crochet Tunic

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This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. We've been ogling the Delia's catalog lately — they just seem to have a ton of fun weekend-wear. So when we saw the “take $20 off of $50 with code 20Del50” promotion, we knew we had to feature it for bargain Friday. So:  for a casual day at the office, we like this crochet tunic, in black or deep purple — we'd layer it with a slim-fitting turtleneck beneath it, a boyfriend or shawl cardigan on top of it, and simple trousers that fit closely through the waist and hips and flare slightly at the leg. (And, oh yes, in the summertime, we'd rock it with jeans on the weekend.)  It's $34.50 at Delia's in sizes S-XL. Calista Crochet Tunic 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. (Incidentally: this is not an item of clothing, but we had a feeling you guys might be interested in this: the “deal of the day” at Amazon is the entire series of Ally McBeal — originally $199, today $79:  Ally McBeal: The Complete Series)

Sales of note for 5/21/25:

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

37 Comments

  1. Bleh, this looks like a maternity outfit. This fit is unflattering on almost everyone except the very skinny. Love your site though! ;)

  2. Thanks for the tip on the Ally DVDs — much cheaper there than other places I checked. Not so sure this top would work for me, but the promo code is appreciated.

  3. Wow, what a blast from the past! I was totally obsessed with Delia*s in middle school/high school. I can’t believe that they are still around. I’m guessing that these sizes probably run on the small size since I assume that they still target the younger crowd. Looks like there are some good deals to be had, though, so I won’t knock it (especially since I haven’t tried it in about 15 years).

    This shirt looks cute on the model, but I agree with lawdiva — this style makes me look pregnant.

  4. I’m more interested in the deal of the day than that horrible shirt! I love most of the clothing chosen on here, but this shirt looks like something my 15yr old sister would wear. I could fine one that looks just like it for 22.50 at forever 21. And based on my experience with Delia’s, it would probably hold up about the same.

  5. OK, I’m obviously a little slow this morning because it took me 10 minutes to realize that the shirt is the Calista and you posted the Ally McBeal offer in the same post!

  6. Where do you get these thin turtlenecks (which are what I am more interested in)? I like the layering idea for cold days.

      1. Wow judging from the transparency of the one on the model, this would only work if the layer over the turtleneck completely covered the bust/bra area!

        This is my biggest complaint about JCrew these days (and I get most of my clothes from JCrew) – I’m tired of all the sheer and semi-sheer tops.

        1. Ann Taylor has some modal long sleeved tees that work for layering, but they are pricey – about $38 on sale in stores.

          I second the commentary about all the sheer tops – it IS November, after all. I’d like to direct the same comment to all the sleeveless/short sleeved tops, sweaters, and dresses as well.

    2. H&M has some thin turtlenecks made out of jersey material that are great for layering. I know its not the best quality but they are $12.95 so if they last a season I think that’s worth it. They come in lots of colors, as you would expect.

    3. Target has a lot of cotton/modal-blend turtlenecks right now that might be right up your alley. They seem to be form fitting enough to be great layering pieces and I haven’t experienced any problems with the material being too sheer to wear on its own.

    4. Haven’t seen in person, but Old Navy’s look thicker (and are about a quarter of the price).

  7. a) Any woman over 21 who shops at Delia’s or Forever 21 for WORK WEAR needs is a psychiatric evaluation. It’s one thing to get some tights or camis from there, or something but something you wear on top of stuff?!?! Are you serious??? I love a good age-inappropriate sequined mini skirt for $19.95 just as much as any gal but on SATURDAY NIGHT.

    b) And Ally McBeal? Seriously?! If there was ever a TV show damaging to female empowerment in the workplace, Ally McBeal is pretty much it. I mean, I wear incredibly short skirts, barely do a minute’s worth of work while fantasizing about oral sex with my judge, too! Doesn’t everyone?!!!

    1. Maybe we have finally hit the generational gap. It appears obvious that any of the younger people on this site that can still appreciate Ally McBeal and the “little girl” looking shirt, may not have had to overcome the challenges in breaking the “glass ceiling” and need to be taken serious by men if the work place. I am envious of their lack of baggage, but still appreciate the efforts of those of us who have had to endure resulting in the strength and presence we have today in the professional workforce.

    2. I never said I would wear it to work. Actually, I never said I would even wear this. I said it was HORRIBLE and that it looks like something one could purchase at forever 21. I go in there for jewelry…they have some great costume jewelry for really cheap.

      And personally, I think mini skirts, whether sequined, jean, or any other material are just trashy. I prefer to have some class on a SATURDAY NIGHT.

      1. I was addressing the opening post, not you, Ashley. If I were addressing you, I would have called you out by name. But thanks for getting snarky. Dear C keeps my comments on backburner, it seems, and approves a ton of others, before she lets mine through. I said Forever 21 way before you mentioned it.

        And trust me, my miniskirts aren’t trashy. I hate a Trixie look just as much as the next hipster, mine are appropriately ironic sequined miniskirts.

    3. Great, now I’m snickering inappropriately in my office. Thanks for the laugh though. :-)

      1. Well I do apologize, Lawchic. I thought that I was the only person who mentioned forever 21.

    4. Corporette states in her post that this is a “fun weekend top”. Which it is. Don’t know about you, but I don’t spend tons of money on my casual weekend wear.

  8. I used to love Ally McBeal. She was my idea of a stylish lawyer back when I was in college!

    I love Delia*s. The clothes are youthful and the fit is smaller, but I am smaller and enjoy finding bargains in sizes that actually fit me. I also like Delia*s pants for work. Not as part of a conservative suit, but for a more casual day. I live in their skinnies on the weekends.

  9. I do not think this is work appropriate, even on casual day, even with something under it. It just does not look professional, and it’s a great example of how women in a corporate environment need to be VERY careful about casual wear at work becoming too “weekend casual.” This look does not say competent, experienced and in control to me.

  10. DON’T ORDER FROM DELIA’S! They have horrible customer service. It will take you over a month to receive what you ordered, and everything is horrible quality. I ordered something there a month and a half before I was moving, and it still hadn’t arrived in time for the move. They claimed it got lost, but would do nothing to help me except send out the order again. I will never deal with them again, they were incredibly rude.

  11. Sorry this one looks too baby doll. Women don’t have to be dowdy to be taken seriously in the workplace, but we do need to look like grownups.

  12. Per C’s styling suggestion, between needing the turtleneck to cover your chest and the sweater to hide the babydoll blousiness (side note: how cold is C’s office that three layers are still comfortable??), the only part of this left exposed is the crochet… not sure about anything resembling lace for the office. IMO this is weekend wear for the tall & thin.

    also, joining the other commenters in disbelief that Delia’s still exists. Definitely browsed their catalog in middle school (mid 90’s).

  13. Here’s an early weekend topic redirection/hijacking…sorry, but I won’t have internet access to buy this tomorrow (Sat). Any fast feedback would be appreciated.

    I found this on the nordstrom sale site…what is the prevailing attitude about these short sleeved skirt suits for wintertime? How do you wear it? Yes, in summer ac offices, I can see with tanks or short sleeved sweaters…but in the winter?

    http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3050309?refsid=269071&refcat=0%7e2376776%7e2374327%7e2374336%7e2377666&SourceID=1&SlotID=1&origin=coordinating

    Has anyone tried on this suit? I am sure I need to buy it on Friday if I am going to get it…

    In general, what is the age range one could wear the thin, modal type of long sleeved top underneath the jacket and not look as though you are ‘trying to hard’ to regain youth? I am concerned that such a combination would evoke what Joan Rivers once said, “If you wore the trend/it the first time, you’re too old to wear it the second time.” or something like that.

    1. I think wearing long sleeves past the edge of the suit jacket is a big “no” – there’s no way to do it and look professional. Cute suit – I’d just put on long gloves to get myself from the bus into the office, then wear the suit as is.

      1. I agree with D, the jacket is really lovely, wear it with a shorter undershirt, and long gloves to get to the office. With overheated offices and freezing weather, this type of jacket seems like a good compromise.

      2. Love this jacket, but would avoid the long-sleeves-under-short look unless the outer layer has much shorter sleeves than this jacket does. With elbow length or longer sleeves on the jacket, it looks sloppy rather than intentional.

    2. Target has some fabulous elbow-sleeve tees. Id’ go with that. And I love D’s suggestion of the long gloves … I’m picturing some rich leather ones in a fabulous color…

      1. I don’t think this suit is too youthful at all. You could wear it as is, or with a nice long-sleeved sweater underneath. I also like the glove suggestion. I’d hesitate long and hard before taking fashion advice from Joan Rivers.

        1. yes, it wasn’t really fashion advice, but an intriguing philosophy – as in, when ‘older,’ going back to hip huggers and neon and crochet and wood platform shoes may not be appealing let alone appropriate!

          Thanks for all the advice gals, I think I’ll get it!

    3. Gorgeous suit. Go for it. The three quarter length sleeve can be a good look year round, depending on the weight of the suit fabric.

    4. That’s beautiful – buy it!! I agree this is not the jacket for a long sleeve shirt underneath, but I am interested in others’ answers to your question about the appropriate age range for long sleeve tops beneath short sleeved jackets. I recently bought a capsleeved boucle jacket and have been wearing a long sleeved tee underneath it – but only on off-time, with jeans.

  14. I think I watched Ally McBeal twice and was absolutely appalled by the character. I don’t *think* I’m particularly touchy about feminism, but that was way too…something for me. I just couldn’t stomach it.

  15. Corperette-ites, let’s all adopt Friday Chill Mode! I am (and sneak wine into the office if you’re still working) ;-)

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