Reader M suggests this lovely dress from, as she says, an “unexpected source” — QVC. She writes: “I love this dress so much, I bought it twice–once in black, and again in charcoal–something I never do. It’s easily dressed up or down by adding a scarf, brooch, pearls, a cardigan, belt, or jacket.” We agree–between the flattering neckline and the ladylike length, it’s a great basic for work. It’s available for $40, in sizes XS-3X, at QVC.com. Dialogue Elbow Sleeve Ballet Neck Ponte Knit Dress 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.This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!
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Workwear sales of note for 9.20.23:
- Nordstrom – 28,000 markdowns, and big beauty sale! Cardmembers earn 3X the points through 9/24!
- Ann Taylor – Extra 30% off all sale styles
- Banana Republic – Up to 40% off sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – 50%-70% off everything + extra 20% off
- J.Crew – 40% off fall finds
- J.Crew Factory – 50%-70% off entire site, and extra 70% off clearance with code!
- Ministry of Supply – Shop fall workleisure, 25% off sitewide.
- M.M.LaFleur – Sale on sale, extra 10% off
- Shopbop – Up to 70% off, 1000s of new styles added
- Talbots – 25% off your entire purchase
- Zappos – 18,500+ markdowns for women!
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J
This is a cute dress, but it is waitlisted in all of the sizes except for the plus sizes.
Mama JD
Adorable, but the smaller sizes are all waitlisted…Le sigh.
Mama JD
I even watched the QVC video. I agree with the salesperson that this dress is very Jackie O-ish.
Marla
None of the reviews indicate how well it comes out of the wash — does anyone know?
JR
Depending on the fabric, some knit dresses get stretched out in the butt area as the day goes on and then just look weird. Anyone have any experience with this fabric?
Kathryn
Ponte holds its shape. It can be hot, and it may pill rather quickly.
LPC
At that price, wear it for a few months and if it gets saggy toss it.
JTL
I’m short (under 5’4″). It looks like it may be a little long for people like me — can anyone attest to whether this is too long for the “petite” catergory? (I’m not sure if I’d want to pay to have a $40 dress tailored.)
S
I’m short too, and think it looks too long as well. But still, if you pay to have it shortened its what, a $50 dress? Still seems like a good value.
Fullnelson
I’m 5’5″ and the dress hits me right below the knee.
Eva
Does anyone have a reasonably priced tailor in NYC? Mine is ~$45 for dress shortening and ~$35 for skirt shortening. I would love to find someone willing to do this for about $15 (I’d use my regular guy for especially nice / expensive pieces still). Am I being too cheap?
CorporateTool
Eva, just don’t go in midtown. Really anywhere else is cheaper. Depends on the neighborhood, but generally a bit further uptown (and not one of the “organic” dry cleaners) is better.
Karen
I did a little research a while ago but haven’t followed up to make sure these places exist and try them (nor can I remember where I found the recommendations) – but Orchard Street Tailors at Orchard & Rivngton, and Amy’s Cleaners at 7th & B, are places that I read somwhere were cheap and decent. If you go, please email me at kemnyc@gmail.com and let me know how your experience was.
Thanks!
Karen
Sara
I used to live in Park Slope Brooklyn and there were good tailors for the prices you are hoping for, depending on the place. Probably too far if you live uptown, but you could save up pieces and make an afternoon out of it, visit cafes, parks etc. I live in Seattle now and found the same thing- my high-end neighborhood’s are wayyy overpriced, so I go to a place a friend recommended near my office and the Asian district who is amazing and inexpensive. It’s worth it as it adds up over time because I need to get everything shortened.
Brownie D. Light
I own this dress! The photo doesn’t do it justice–it has a slightly empire, banded waist, and beautifully tucked pockets. So comfortable to wear, too, because of the flattering length and the breathable ponte knit. And it’s a steal at $40. Strongly recommended!
Eva
Thanks for the tailoring recs, all! I have a new Brooks Brothers skirt bought on huge clearance ($30, down from $150 or so) that’s an inch or two too long, but I was reluctant to spend $35 shortening it.
georgienyc
love it – of course it’s great to get investment pieces but you can’t go wrong with the above or this BB Dakota dress. Tried it on, for $70 it’s a steal!
see it here: http://www.what2wearwhere.com/blog/post/2009/09/21/-BB-Dakota.aspx