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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 122 Comments · by

Tuesday’s TPS Report: Italian Ponte Sheath Dress

The Personal Shopper (TPS)

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Classiques Entier® Italian Ponte Sheath DressSo. Pretty. Yellow is a bold color to wear, which is probably why this dress also comes in simple black — but the yellow is so happy! For once I love it with black accessories (the belt and shoes), but I might also do gray, red, or purple accessories instead. Love the cowl and the sleeves. It's $228 in sizes 0-14 at Nordstrom. Classiques Entier® Italian Ponte Sheath Dress Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-3)

Sales of note for 9.16.24

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Comments

    • Anon

      Be sure to read the full description for each item – some state that the item is “Designed for KSNY outlet shops”

      • NOLA

        Yeah, that’s true. If you care. The outlet items are often marked down even further, but the “original price” is kind of fake. I happen to like some of the outlet styles because I like the type of handle better. But that’s just me.

      • Anon

        Oh I didn’t mean to imply that outlet = bad. Just an FYI for everyone as I’m not very familiar with Kate Spade and didn’t know if this was standard for her sales (a mix of outlet and non-outlet items).

        • Mpls

          I’ve seen the mix in the surprise sales over the past year or two, so I think it’s probably standard.

        • mascot

          I have a couple of KS outlet bags and they have held up well to months of daily use. Must.resist.

        • MaggieLizer

          My experience with KS outlet has been mixed – some things hold up beautifully and last for years, some start falling apart within a couple of uses. Personally, I’d avoid buying nonreturnable outlet items online because it’s tough to judge quality without seeing the items in person. Thanks for pointing this out; I don’t think I would’ve noticed.

    • Marilla

      I was all over this for a new wallet and some other cute things but it looks like they don’t ship to Canada anymore, which is weird and sad.

      • s

        I’m loving some of their wallets, does anyone who owns one (like the Lacey or Remy or Mara or Jules) know whether they would fit an iPhone in there though? I love being able to put my phoneand other randoms in my wallet and call it a day. My current is a coach wallet/wristlet type that is thin but the perfect size.

        • efk

          I have what i think is a lacey (from the outlet) and it doesn’t fit an Iphone 5 well. It fits but it’s a stretch and I wouldn’t use it like that every day. It’s fine just to run down to get lunch but anything prolonged would probably break the zipper.

          • s

            Thanks this is helpful! I think I’m just gonna need to get myself to a Kate Spade tonight after work to try whatever I can.

    • Leigh

      I got the email this morning, the clutch I wanted (for months) was there…clicked to buy…and it’s unavailable. :( Does anyone have any experience calling Customer Service and getting the item? That’s what it’s prompting me to do, so I may just have to call.

    • a passion for fashion

      thank you, for feeding my habit. 1 bag and 2 pair of earings later, at least ive not spent too much money . . .

  2. Houston Attny

    Good morning, Ladies!

    Received an e-mail that katespade.com is having a great sale through tomorrow – up to 75% off some beautiful handbags. I’m on a self-imposed shopping ban right now, so please enjoy and tell me what you buy so I can drool. Actually, please don’t. I’m so easily tempted. :/

  3. anon for this

    I have an early TJ a repost from late yesterday but I think this dress is stunning! I have recently purchased two ponte knit dresses (black/white and sky blue) and love them. Here is my question.

    Big Career Change – I am considering leaving the practice of law to start a Staffing/Recruiting Agency. I am seeking the thoughts of the hive on how you would perceive one of your peers making such a move. I know perception is critical with all things. Thanks for the feedback.

    • Ellen

      I think this is a GREAT IDEA! I often thought of leaveing the practice of law (or more like NOT starteing at all), when thing’s looked bad for me before I met the manageing partner. I had a bad summer expiereience at a goverment agency, then I took a job at a BIG DC firm and a bald partner and 3 asociate’s all wanted me to date them but I wanted to learn about the law. They also wanted me to go to sport’s game’s with them and eat, but I was onley goieng to get fat eateing at the arena so I did NOT go more then 4 time’s with them. The partner kept calleing me even tho I did NOT get an OFFER to work there. He kept telleing me that I was on the waiting list, even tho the FIRM did NOT tell me this. I think it was ONLEY b/c he wanted to date me so he strung me along. So I think my runneing into the manageing partner in the summer was a good thing b/c nothing else ever matereialized in DC worth anything. FOOEY on men that streing you along then do NOT deliver on their promise’s! Alan did that too. Drunken schumuck!

    • z.

      A colleague just made the switch in the past 6 months and loves it. She wanted more flexibility in her schedule to spend time with her young family. She has a great personality and is incredibly friendly, so everyone thought she’d be great as a recruiter. She’d been practicing 12 years and was joining another recruiting firm. Biggest question she had to answer from every. single. partner. was how she was going to make ends meet because the income stream is so volatile.

      • anon for this

        Thanks for posting, my DH has a relatively stable career so I can take the plunge with only a moderate impact to the household budget etc. I’ve wanted to be a business owner for quite sometime.

    • Hollis

      To me, it sounds like a risky move, especially if you don’t have a lot of recruiting experience already under your belt. Would it make sense for you to join an established recruiting firm (like Robert Half or Major Lindsay, or even just working under someone who is a big shot in your area) to get some relationships before you start off on your own? Because ultimately, I think you are more likely to have your candidate be considered if you have a personal relationship with HR people.

      I’m not trying to be snarky, but why does perception (esp. from your peers) matter to you at all? If you like what you do and you’re successful at it, why does it matter what your peers think about the career move? Is it because you are on the fence about it? If you are, then I wouldn’t move out of law just yet. I would probably try and switch employers or switch practice areas because once you leave law to do recruiting, it’s going to be hard to get back into law practice.

      • Julip

        I agree with this on the perception front. Are you asking how potential recruiting clients would perceive the move? That might be relevant.

        • Anon for this

          I am “on the fence” but am considering another venture that involves a larger outlay of capital(does not involve the practice of law). I’ve always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

  4. Cb

    This is gorgeous! I’d wear it with black tights but I dressed up as a bumblebee *a lot* as a kid.

    • KC

      I wore a bright yellow blazer over a black sheath last week – definitely made me think of a bee, but I got a lot of compliments!

      It also made me adopt “busy as a bee” as my mantra for the day ;)

      • tesyaa

        Back in the day (1990ish to be approximate) I had a black and yellow lines, short-sleeve Kasper dress which I loved, but I did refer to it as my bumblebee dress.

  5. Equity's Darling

    I love this dress- yellow is so delightful, and I agree with Kat that the cowl neck is great. Cowl necks don’t seem common in summer clothes…I wonder why?

    Question: are graphic tees back in again? I’ve been really drawn to the ones at Scotch and Soda, but it makes me think of high school and American Eagle/A&F. Is there a more refined way to do a graphic tee?

    • Neha

      My office is very casual. I like to wear a graphic tee with a blazer and jeans. Or with dressier pants and a denim jacket. On weekends, I’ll just throw on a cardigan and wear it with skinny jeans and flats.

    • TCFKAG

      I think graphic tees have never gone out – at least in my contingent of friends. I like to dress them up under a blazer or a fitted moto type jacket and then pair them with jeans (skinny to be “cooler” and trouser to be more “refined”) or one of those flouncy fit and flare skirts that are so popular right now – like from mod cloth.

      Maybe not for work though…but definitely for dinners out or concerts or going to bars or parties and stuff.

    • Gem

      I’ve seen graphic tee’s paired with a pencil skirt, heels or flats and jacket. I think the type of tee is key though – not oversized or boxy

      Actually I think Angie at YouLookFab might have something about grown up, sophisticated graphic tee looks

    • a.

      For me, a lot of it comes down to the graphic itself. Anything with words typically makes me think “high school,” though there are exceptions. But with a non-word graphic, I think they can work well with skirts or jeans, topped with a more tailored, adult cardigan or jacket, and adult footwear and accessories. Not sure I’d wear one to work, though.

    • PollyD

      As a bibliophile, I am having to restrain myself from buying all the t-shirts at Out of Print clothing (they have website). I did spring for the Wizard of Oz shirt.

      My office is very, very casual, and I would probably wear the shirt with skinny jeans and a structured cardigan/knit jacket. But I’ll probably save it more for weekend use.

      • goirishkj

        I have a tee with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn cover. And I wear it to work on our jeans Fridays, but my office is very casual.

      • just Karen

        That’s the same shirt I have from them, and I agree – it is so hard not to buy them all! If anyone else gives in, be warned that the shirts are thin (and so soft) and run small – I am usually a medium and I can’t remember whether I bought a large or extra large, but each style varies, so check the size charts!

        • PollyD

          Yep, 32D here (I feel a bit weird giving my bust size, but feel it is more meaningful than S-M-L given the crazy inconsistencies in clothing sizes lately) and the M Wizard of Oz is a bit snug. Wearable, but definitely shows curves. Then again, I kind of like that better than a big baggy t-shirt.

  6. Anonymous

    Does anyone here do menswear inspired workwear? I love the look, but I haven’t been able to figure out how to do it. I’d like to hear from other commenters and maybe Kat would consider doing a post on menswear-inspired workwear?

      • Anonymous

        More masculine shoes (e.g. oxfords), more masculine cuts/fabrics – if you google image “menswear inspired”, you’ll see tons and tons of examples.

        I don’t know whether it is work appropriate (i.e. is it too “fashion-ey”, or too sloppy?), or, if it is, under what circumstances.

        • Diana Barry

          I generally do one menswear-inspired thing at a time. So, if oxfords, then feminine blouse. If blouse + vest, then more feminine shoes. But I only wear flats, which kind of makes me more “masculine” in and of itself, I guess.

    • TCFKAG

      I do a bit of menswear inspired workwear – my favorite is wearing a sweater vest over a pinstriped button-down with trousers. It makes me feel cute and kind of androgynous at the same time. Also – I love the oxford/saddle shoe thing for working in some menswear inspired elements in. I think a suit vest (like for a three piece suit) over a blouse or button down shirt rolled up to three quarter sleeve with trousers or a pencil skirt with oxford shoes (and maybe bangle bracelets or something to add some color) would be a really cool way to work in some of those elements as well.

      The only place I’d probably draw the line would be at an actual tie, but just because that’s a bit much for me.

      • Menswear fail.

        One time I wore a tie to work in an attempt to do a “menswear” look. The only female partner at my office sat me down and asked me if someone had made a gender-biased comment about my wardrobe and I was wearing the tie in protest.

        Menswear fail.

        • OP

          This is my fear with menswear – I want it to look intentional and stylish, not like I’m protesting or accidentally put on pants from my SO’s side of the closet.

          • Mpls

            When I was in high school, a pair of my jeans ended up in my dad’s drawer. And he wore them to work. And the only way he figured out they weren’t his is that this pair had a button fly.

            I don’t know how he didn’t figure that out before leaving the house…

        • Anon

          that was probably a little embarrassing at the time, but it’s a really funny story now! :-)

    • Mountain Girl

      Check out youlookfab.com She tends to have a masculine inspired work wardrobe. One of my other favorite blogs!

    • Diane Keaton

      I think this can look awesome but it’s really important to have to tailoring be spot on. You don’t want to look like you are wearing actual men’s clothing.

      • Godzilla

        Or you could want to look like you’re wearing men’s clothing. As long as it fits right.

    • a passion for fashion

      i think the easiest way to do it is w/ a suiting vest or a pair of high heeled oxfords. and i agree with the others that say the tailoring should be slim-fitting and feminine. I have a black suiting pinstrip vest from AT that is easily 12 years old, but i still pull it out. it works best with black slacks or a black pencil skirt and it will wear it over either a crisp buttondown or a silky blouse. and ive worn the oxfords with it too.

  7. AIMS

    I love this dress. I’ve been on a huge yellow kick lately. Specifically, I have looked high and low everywhere for bright yellow shoes (not pale yellow and not mustard), kitten heel or close to it, preferrably closed toe. Anyone seen something along these lines? I can’t believe yellow pumps would be this hard to find in the summer!

  8. paging TCFKAG

    I’m just now reading yesterday afternoon’s posts. Hope you are all right! If you’re still looking for shows to watch and haven’t seen it, Breaking Pointe on the CW is a ballet docudrama

  9. SJ

    I had to get out the door a little early today and the sheath dress is where it’s at! This post just confirms my suspicion that I need to add another 4 or 5 to my wardrobe.

  10. job q

    Question about a job posting: the ad says to submit materials to HR, but to contact another person (who is the head of the practice group where the job opening is) with any questions about the job. I don’t want to be annoying and bug this guy, but will it be bad if I don’t email with questions or to express my interest in the job? I don’t want to seem uninterested–I am interested in the job and would have questions to ask during the interview, but I don’t know of what I would want to know at this stage, although I am sure I could come up with something if needed.

    • goldribbons

      If your application is ready, could you email this guy and just say something like, “saw your contact info, really interested in this job because my skills X, Y, and Z would enable me to excel [sort of a 1 to 2 sentence cover letter here], just sent my materials over to HR as the ad requested, I hope to meet with you in the future.” But that’s always a little frustrating.

    • Marilla

      I wouldn’t email if you don’t have any questions – I think a manufactured question is worse than none at all. Depending on the industry, though, you could email him to express your interest and say you’d like to find out more about the job (current projects? major goals/commitments?). This will be welcomed in some companies and seen as annoying in others though..

      • job q

        It’s a government agency job. It just seemed kind of weird that he is inviting inquiries before any kind of candidate selection. Kind of the opposite of “we’ll call you if we’re interested,” you know?

        • Marilla

          I work in government (not in the US) and I’ve gotten advice before that it’s totally ok and welcomed to call up the hiring manager to chat about the job. So if you can come up with a couple questions about the work the agency does and what their goals for this position are, it may be worth shooting them an email?

          I don’t think it will harm you if you don’t have questions by the way.. but sometimes it can help.

  11. TBK

    Gorgeous! Love it! I used to have a very similar J Crew dress in pink that I loved. No shopping for me, though. I went through my closet this weekend and discovered I can make 25+ different summer work outfits with what I have (plus there are a handful of pieces I didn’t use). I think I’m good on clothes for awhile.

  12. Bonnie

    I saw a woman on the metro today wearing a bright yellow dress. It was a big statement but she pulled it off well.

    Reposting from yesterday: thoughts on the fitbit?

    • Miss Behaved

      I love my fitbit. I’m hooked on it. And my mother has one, too, so we compete.

    • Anonymous

      EVERYONE ON THIS SITE LOVES THE FIT BIT. ALSO EVERYTHING FITS TRUE TO SIZE IN THIS BRAND. YES THAT INCLUDES DVF WRAP DRESSES. YES, WE DO HAVE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAN DIEGO RESTAURANTS. AN EMAIL THANK YOU NOTE IS FINE. YES YOU SHOULD DUMP HIM.

      • RosieAims

        Yikes. You know you can close this window by just clicking that little x in top corner, right?

        • ansley hayes

          in fairness to anonymous (though this could have been said more tactfully and this particularly post was probably not the right post to comment on), there are some of us who dont want to close the box because we like coming to this website, but it gets a little tiresome scrolling through the same silly questions over and over again about how brands “fit”, whether thank you notes are appropriate etc. this seems to have become more of an issue as of late.

          • Anon

            But….fitbit is an exercise thing. The complaint doesn’t even make sense here.

          • Anonymous

            the point of the complaint is questions that have been answered a million times and are easily searchable. At least every other week someone asks so, does anyone have a fitbit and like it?

          • Bonnie

            I’m a frequent reader of this blog and don’t recall any detailed discussions of the fitbit. If you don’t like my question, scroll past it. No need to be an a** under the cloak of anonymity.

          • Anonymous

            my comments are moderated because I was trying to attach a link, but if you do a site search it has been mentioned on this site 80 times. 8 pages of search results, including less than two weeks ago in a post you commented on. I am not being an a**, just pointing out that people dont look before asking.

    • RosieAims

      I love mine too! My mom has the Zip and I have the One — I think the One is worth the extra $30 or so. It counts flights of stairs, and has a sleep tracking feature. The sleep tracking wont help you get better sleep, but it does keep me honest with myself about getting my 7-8 hours a night and has a “silent alarm” vibrating feature that has never failed to wake me in the morning. It has been a really handy gadget. It’s small enough that I can clip it on the front of my bra (between the cups) and not notice it again all day. I have one bra (a very structured pushup with a wider than usual band) that it doesn’t work with (it jabs the top of my stomach when I sit down — I’m pretty short-waisted), so on those days I clip it to the strap near my shoulder.

      I LOVE the interface with my iphone. Every time I open the app, it updates my stats/syncs up. It emails me when the battery is running low (like every 2 weeks). My mom and I are “friends” on the site, so we can check in and cheer each other on. I have it synced with My Fitness Pal, so calorie deficits from exercise are entered automatically in MFP. More than anything, it motivates me to move more, and keeps my expectations in check. I also love that I can look back on weeks or months and see myself becoming significantly more active, and I don’t have to manually input data to have it on record. It isn’t perfect — if you work out on an elliptical, stair master, or bike, you’ll need to manually input that data if you want a perfect record. I usually don’t, because even if it doesn’t give me credit for ALL of my exercise during those times, it still “knows” that I was active during that time, and that is reflected in the report.

  13. LV

    I have a friend who wants to buy a Louis Vuitton bag for his mother. He’s asking me advice on where to get it for the best deal, etc., and I know virtually nothing about LV. Can any of the ladies on here help out?

    • A

      That’s the thing about LV–there is no such thing as a “deal.” It’s also like Apple in that they don’t ever lower their price/go on sale, as opposed to Gucci.

      You can save a little by buying in the EU/Paris though, because you get “tax free” there, and simply declare it as you enter the US. But it’s not a “deal” in that you have to fly there.

      I think for Chanel/Prada extrapetite went and opened a Bloomies card and got 10-20% off on one of her purses, but don’t know if there’s an exclusion for LV.

      • LV

        Yeah, I told him it’s more of an ‘exclusive’ brand, and he wasn’t going to find any great deals. Also told him if he finds one, it’s highly possible that it’s fake.

        • AIMS

          Not only do they not do deals, but they actually raised prices recently because they wanted to make it “more exclusive.” Really.

          I think store credit card (assuming no exclusions apply) would be the only way to go – he should check Saks, Bloomingdales, NM, etc.

    • Divaliscious11

      Unless he wants to buy used, there is no deal. Louis Vuitton does not go on sale, so either get it online at the Vuitton site, a free standing LV boutique or in a major department store with an LV boutique – Neiman’s, some Nordstrom etc….

  14. Anon

    Going Anon for this one. Kat, could I make a suggestion? I really love the comments and how we have turned them into a quasi-message board, but I feel like the layout and interface could be better. Perhaps converting the comments into a mini-board where someone can post a thread with the title, and you can click on it to view the post, view the comments, and post a comment? That way, if you aren’t interested in a topic you don’t have to click on it.

    The board Xoxohth (much more crass and vulgar version of this for men) does this and while I don’t condone their topics or how they speak to each other, I think the interface is really user-friendly.

    Anyone have any thoughts on this?

    • Anon

      Absolutely agreed! I’ve been wondering this for a while. I think the comments are the biggest attraction to this site for many/most. I’d love to see a similar format (for commenting at least) to sites like Slowtwitch (not fashion related, obviously).

    • Anon

      I’m going to chime in and say I actually prefer being able to look at the comments the way it is. I like to be able to quickly read what the post is about and then just scroll past without reading in depth if I’m not interested.

      • rosie

        I agree. I like the format of these comments, and I find it easy enough to scroll through and skim posts. It’s much harder to skim when conversations are threaded, IMO, and that’s something I really like about this site.

      • Maggie

        Another +1. I scroll past what I’m not interested in, and I actually end up reading (and being interested in) some threads I probably wouldn’t have clicked on if it were message board style.

    • frugal doc..

      I would also favor a slightly different organization… I dislike having to search for the “new” posts, if I come back later in the day/next day. A different system where it had different titled threads, and an option for viewing new posts is nice.

      or not

  15. Anonymous

    Reposting bc no ideas on the weekend board. NOLA, you are so thoughtful w gifts–any thoughts?

    I am a physician and am leaving my current job (on good terms, just an upward career move not available at current job). I’d like to buy my medical assistant a nice gift when I go. Because I am mostly outpatient, we spend just about every minute of the day together, and have done this for three years. She is truly a wonderful woman and a hard worker. For Christmas, I usually get her a gift card (in increasing amounts as the years have gone on) and, thanks to this site, share 15% of my performance-based bonus each quarter, since 30% of that bonus is based on work that we do together.
    I’d love some suggestions for a parting gift for her. TIA!

    • NOLA

      Oh, that’s so sweet! Honestly, I did see your message on the weekend board and I didn’t have a clue what to tell you. I usually get people things I would want myself (or have myself, ha ha) but that fit what they like. Does she entertain? Wear jewelry? Like to go out to eat? Have a family? So many possibilities. Also, price range?

      • OP

        Price range is $100 to 200. She wears a watch and minimal jewelry at work.

        I was thinking of one of the small Coach wallets bc she’s a pretty practical person. But is that a weird gift?

        Usually I think that I get pretty good gifts (toot, toot!) but I’m stumped here–I think bc I’m emotional about it!

        • NOLA

          What about a Kindle or a Kindle Fire? That would be pretty practical and within your price range. About the wallet, I would say if she’s practical, don’t get her something with a logo all over it. I don’t think it’s a weird gift, though.

  16. chocochat

    I might or might not have been inspired by this post to buy yellow pumps :)

  17. L

    late TJ.

    Does anyone have any good products/treatment recommendations to deal with scars/discoloration on your face? I have some spots I’d like to try to even out and haven’t really found anything that works well. Are there spa services that work well?

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