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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 42 Comments · by

Bargain Friday’s TPS Report: Silk georgette tiered-cuff blouse

Fashion· The Personal Shopper (TPS) | · ·

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Reader M writes in to suggest this lovely blouse, which has great pleating at the neckline, tiers on the sleeves, and, yes, comes with a cami. We like that it's a a little frothy without being girly; we also like that it's a blouse without the fuss of gaping buttons. We'd wear it with a high-waisted skirt; we might also try it with a black turtleneck beneath it for blustery winter days. It's on clearance at Victoria's Secret for $29.99 (was $48), available in green, pink and black in sizes XS-L. Silk georgette tiered-cuff blouse 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 9.30.24

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

Comments

  2. Anonymous

    I’m curious to hear some thoughts on visible camis at work. Specifically, in your office, is it appropriate to wear a sheer or semi-sheer top with a cami underneath if the cami is clearly visible (somewhat emphasizing the fact that the shirt, to some degree, is see-through)? Or are camis reserved for either (1) raising the neckline of an otherwise too-low-for-work shirt, or (2) wearing underneath a top to provide more coverage (but the cami itself is not visible).

    • E

      Yes to the first. Indeed, I’d say that a clearly visible camisole is better than a just-discernible one – it makes it clear that it’s an item of clothing and not your bra that’s showing.

      • Samantha

        In my workplace, sheer tops with a visible cami are a no-no, and I understand why. IMO a cami is “innerwear” unless you’re wearing only that (in which case its a tank?) and sheer tops with cami/innerwear showing definitely have a suggestion of weekend/casual/flirty about them.
        My office isn’t even suits, just business casual tops, shirts and blazers, but this would be frowned upon regardless.

    • jcb

      I am pretty liberal about most things at work, but I really don’t think that sheer tops are ok. Sheer is more of a nighttime look to me. If it would not be ok to wear the cami alone (and of course it would not), then I don’t really think that it’s ok for everyone to be able to see through the top layer to it. That being said, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a cami showing where it is functioning to raise a neckline.

  3. G

    I wore a sheerish cream colored blouse with a pretty cream colored cami underneath (which was pleated, not lacy). to me, it was clear that it was a cami, not my bra showing (because the thing continued down and obviously was tucked it, rather than “ending” like a bra would). however, people stared at me all day as if they thought they could see my bra. In fact, when I met my boyfriend for lunch that day, he said “you know that your bra is showing, right?” since then, I nixed sheer shirts/camis for work.

    • E

      Oh dear. Perhaps a camisole that has a significantly different colour to the sheer shirt would get rid of the problem? I have a teal camisole/grey and white striped shirt combination that I love.

      • Anonymous

        I have worn a cami under a sheer shirt in the late stages of pregnancy, when it is clear it is a cami, and cannot possibly mistaken for a bra.

  4. C

    I actually ordered this shirt last winter and (sadly) at to return it. It looks beautiful on the model but was not as flattering in real life. The length isn’t quite long enough to tuck into regular pants pants, so it requires something with a higher waist…. at least this is true for someone with a curvy figure.

    • Samantha

      Thanks for your insight! Do you know how it would look untucked and worn with pants, or is that not an option?

      • C

        The bottom was unfinished and as I recall, because there was no structure other than the pleats at the neckline, it just hung at a sort of awkward length.

        • sss

          After seeing this top featured here, I loved the detailing on the sleeves and ordered it in black. I should have read these comments first as my experience was the same: blouse is too short to tuck into anything but higher waisted bottoms (and I have a shorter torso, am a size 0, and am not busty), the fabric feels really cheap and is full of static, and the shape of the blouse is very boxy (which is better if tucked in but it still does not look as tailored as it does in the model photo). Overall, I would not recommend. It’s a shame since it looks so lovely in the photo.

  5. Midori

    Anyone have experience with VS clothing? I’ve heard (somewhere, don’t remember) that it’s not the highest quality ever, but never bought any. The catalogs tempt me though–I’m thinking about buying a wool coat from there. Is their stuff generally worth buying?

    • Anonymous

      VS catalogue is always a hit or miss. The sizing on each item is always unpredictable (no uniform set of sizing), especially with coats and pants. I ordered a coat there once and could barely squeeze into it (I’m a size 4/6, depending), and had to return it (which is also a nuisance with VS since you need to keep the bag with scan label to send back the items….a bag that you must tear carefully so as not to ruin the label). I only order bathing suits and tops there (sometimes skirts), so my advice is buyer beware.

      • CF

        Agree that it’s hit or miss, but I have a couple of sweaters that I love, and I also buy their pants because they come in talls. Always buy on sale.

        • Ashley

          Their dresses tend to be made out of a very cheap material. They also run small. I often order their bathing suits, however. I have two of their suits, which are not the best quality, but they are very nice because they are machine washable. But, I would suggest not ordering unless you can get free shipping. Their shipping is ridiculously expensive.

    • Samantha

      I have bought a lot of VS sweaters etc. in the past but then completely gave them up.
      I got very put off by the fabric. They use very cheap fabrics – 100% polyester, or modal/nylon, etc. A lot of the stuff you wouldn’t think looks polyester (e.g. looks like a knit in the catalog) turns out to be 100% polyester.
      This makes them (1) itchy, (2) not last after a few washes and (3) not absorb sweat or start smelling plasticky at the end of the day. I dont even sweat much but definitely had a problem with the clothes at the end of the day smelling weird.
      Last I checked, they dont tell you the fabric on the website (but I havent bought from them in the last year so that may have changed) so there’s no way to be pre-warned. The clothes look great in the catalog though (or is that just the pouty models?).

    • J

      My sister bought a coat there several seasons ago, and it was (is, actually) gorgeous . I’ve heard that they are hit or miss, too, but the coat worked out for her, so it might be worth trying.

    • A

      I own several merino wool tops (I happen to be wearing one right now), a pair of the silk/cashmere sweaters. theyre 2-3 years old each, and have held their shape and color well. I still get lots of compliments on one of them.

      I agree that the polyester/modal stuff is bad. I avoid it

      The suits are very useful to the busty girls out there who need an underwire in their bathing suit.

    • SUCL 3L

      I have bought quite a bit of clothing from VS (though I would note that I almost always buy when their stuff is on sale, otherwise it’s a little pricey).
      I agree that there sizes do seem to run slightly small which can be obnoxious with returning stuff to get the right size (but that’s a hazard of shopping on-line anyway)
      The “everyday” type t-shirts are okay, though I felt it wasn’t quite long enough.
      I have one of their silk/cashmere blend sweaters and one of their wool coats and LOVE them both.
      Their jeans are surprisingly good. They seem to fit me well, but I’m not a typical size/build – short and a little chubby. But they seem to wear and hold up fairly well.
      My typical MO is to shop them more heavily during the semi-annual sales (which should be coming up a in afew weeks) – better prices and there’s usually a free shipping offer.

  6. Sharon

    I have found VS clothing to be absolutely horrendous quality. At most, something you’d buy for a vacation and then throw away immediately afterward. Given C’s focus on investment dressing and love of some pretty high quality and high label stuff (Jimmy Choos, Chanel, etc.) I am quite surprised that VS even gets mentioned on here.

  7. Jane

    I am surprised about the number of times the suggestion is made that a turtleneck could be worn underneath a blouse; I’m not sure I’d ever wear that. Reminds me of when my mom made me wear snow pants under my dresses in 3rd grade

    • Samantha

      Me too! I really don’t understand the turtleneck under a blouse concept. I cannot picture it and it seems weird, and certainly not formal enough to wear to work!!

      • Anonymous

        I agree. I have never, in five years as an attorney in Chicago, actually seen someone wear this ensemble. Other than a very odd paralegal with a wardrobe that has clearly not been updated since the late ’80s/early ’90s.

        • Lawgirl

          Co-sign that. Maybe I’m just not fashion-forward with all this layering biz, but turtleneck under a blouse (or a dress) is usually CRAPTASTIC :O)

  8. s

    I’d like to request a post on legwear and shoes:

    I love a lot of the peep-toe shoes that are out now. Let’s all just stipulate that peep-toes are okay in the office (at my business-casual, large law firm office, all the young female partners wear them).

    In the summer, fine, we all just go nude legs. But I’m not sure what to do with peep-toes in the winter, when pallor and chill make tights or nylons a necessity. I always thought nylons with open toes was a mortal fashion sin. But then why make winter peep-toes at all? I was thinking about buying these (http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=279&sort=&category=cat20006&prodId=194978&brand=) which are obviously winter shoes. What’s a girl to do?

    • C. Z.

      Wear them with opaque tights. I wore peeptoes with tights all winter long last year in NYC. (However, I tended to wear boots to work and change into peep toes there; slush in between my toes is never a good feeling!)

      • AIMS

        I agree that peep toes are fine in the office — but warm weather only!
        I think winter peep toes look great but too fashion-y & interesting for most law/professional offices. I love the look but would definitely NOT wear this to work.

        Among other reasons, I think many people at work (including most men & most older women) would think this is STILL a fashion don’t, and I think that wearing something that the majority of people would not ‘get’ is just a terrible idea.

        • J

          I agree with AIMS on this one. Peep toes at work are fine when it’s warm out and you can go bare-legged (assuming that you have the kind of office where this is acceptable — I do, and so does the OP). Peep toes with tights is a very fashionable look right now outside of the office, but breaking of this old fashion rule is too “new” to be appropriate in my business casual office.

          • Lola

            Your question is basically, “Why would they make it if it wasn’t meant to be worn?”

            Answer: Just because they make it, that doesn’t mean that you have to wear it. Especially to work.

      • lawgrl

        I agree. I thought tights were a no-no with any sort of open toes, but I have been seeing a lot of peep toes pictued with opaque tights lately, and given all the peep-toes that are clearly meant for winter, I’d say go for it. Come to think of it, I saw someone wearing peep-toes with bare feet the other day, and it looked ridiculous! (I’m in Michigan – brrrr!)

    • Gem

      Opaque tights – black or plum would work (assuming you would wear them outside of work or you’re in a more casual office)

    • jcb

      I’d wear those with opaque tights. Last season and already this season I’ve been wearing peep-toes with tights. And, I don’t see anything wrong with wearing them to work.

    • Cat

      with my black peep-toes, I wear dark gray tights — just enough color difference to look intentional, without being super fashion-y.

  9. Lawgirl

    Co-sign that. Maybe I’m just not fashion-forward with all this layering biz, but turtleneck under a blouse (or a dress) is usually CRAPTASTIC :O)

  10. Anne Vohl

    I think layering a lightweight turtleneck under a flowing or loosely fitting blouse or dress is a great look. Like anything else, it has to be done right as to color and texture. It looks right in cold weather, but might look silly on a warmer day. The blouse in question is beautiful. It is styled kind of like the type of sweater that you might layer over a turtleneck, so why not?

    • nval

      My lawschool version of layered is cotton jersey, blouse, wool sweater and scarf, thanks to the ever-changing heat settings in various classrooms. I’m not sure I’d try that exact look in the office, but my uniform from my suited-up days (in another profession, in a cold climate) was very thin silk undershirt (you can find them with lower necklines to accommodate a v-necked blouse), cotton or silk blouse, silk scarf, suit.

  11. Delta Sierra

    This blouse looks beautiful in the picture, even a little couture-ish. But what I mostly see here is me, in tears, after about an hour trying to iron it.

  12. Sarah

    I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised with the quality of things from the VS catalog (one jacket, one hooded tee/henley, one skirt). The fit’s not always 100%, but the fabrics have been substantial and the finishing nicely done. I guess it varies across items.

    I’ve almost purchased this blouse like four times–I think the detailing is really pretty.

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