Wednesday’s Workwear Report: Crescent Knot Dress

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1. For the person looking for lower heels, I recently bought and LOVE the Franco Sarto Jacer pump. They’re low block heel slingbacks, very comfortable and walkable. I’ve been wearing them with pants, jeans, and dresses.

   1. In this vein, I bought the Mgemi Una in gold during their friends and family sale and it is shockingly comfortable. I find the elongated toe box looks a bit more modern than a classic ballet flat without being too much.

   2. Margaux is also having a sale and they have some great executive looking flats.

   3. The Franco Sarto Racer Pointed Toe Pump is also a very comfy and walkable low block heel.

2. An admittedly specific ask but yall have good taste. I’m looking for a hotel in Provence with a pool, rooms with balconies or terraces (not just at the highest level of suites), baby friendly, ideally in a park like setting a 15 minute walk from a village. Not looking ultra luxe for this.

   1. This was walkable to Les Baux and had a balcony and a gorgeous pool that I still think about a decade plus later. It was a bit luxe (but also my honeymoon.) https://www.baumaniere.com/en/gastronomy/loustau-de-baumaniere/

   2. Hotel Le Vallon de Valrugues near St Remy is nice and very close to the town square (maybe too close if you truly want a 15 min walk). Villa Saint Ange near Aix is also nice.

      1. Was going to say the same – St Remy is lovely, and this hotel is the right distance. We didn’t stay there (were in a villa around the corner) but walked there for dinner (which was excellent). Highly recommend St Remy area.

3. What kinds of wreaths or decor are you putting on your front door? Any recommendations? I don’t want to spend a lot, but I would like something that looks modern and stylish.

   1. None. I don’t think front door decor is modern or stylish. If you want to zhuzh up your stoop then add potted flowers.

      1. Right—you can’t have both. My mom made some red/white/blue quilted hangings for our door that look nice for July 4.

         1. This sounds nice, but also doesn’t sound modern or stylish (I don’t think these are the best goals anyway though).

            1. That was the point. You can have decor you enjoy, but it isn’t going to be modern or stylish. Which is fine, because it’s a front door, and should make you smile, not exude “taste.”

            2. Oh then I completely agree. Homes should be hospitable! And if we have an ultra modern house that really needs to look sleek and modern, we probably know it.

   2. I was just taking a walk in the nice houses part of my neighborhood here in the SEUS, and I saw a lot of simple magnolia leaf wreaths that to me looked more modern and stylish than something floral. But I’m sure this is also quite regional!

   3. Northeast, so wreaths aside from the winter holidays aren’t really a thing. People generally have planter pots with seasonal flowers in the spring/summer if you’re inclined to do some planter gardening. Flowering hanging baskets are very popular as well, I have tricky shoulders so stick to pots.

      1. Where in the NE? They very much are in my neck of the woods in NJ, and by my friends in eastern PA, RI, and CT.

      2. Northeast, and I’ve always had a seasonal wreath on my front door, and many of my neighbors do as well. Don’t care if its modern or stylish, but it is “a thing”.

   4. I do small white flowers on fake greenery, it helps provide privacy with our setup. Wayfair has a lot that look modern.

   5. I only do a Christmas wreath. I don’t think wreaths scream modern and stylish.

   6. Any wreath I’ve tried at any time of year attracts birds and nests, and then I have to clean the front door/threshold and toss the wreath. Even at Christmas.

      1. This is real. I can’t have Christmas wreaths on the door because of birds, but can hang them next to the door so the birds can do their thing and I can have my wreath.

   7. What color is your door?

   8. Plain greenery – boxwood, magnolia leaves, etc. Fake flowers are too Southern Living circa 1992.

   9. Right now I have a small basket with some faux flowers in it. I switch up the flowers based on season and add pieces of decor – like pumpkins and ghosts for October.

      I like boxwood wreaths with sashes too. I’m in the SEUS and those are pretty common here.

   10. I like the offerings at Terrain, especially the iron wreaths.

   11. we bought a lot when we first moved to the suburbs – halloween, easter, 4th of july, etc. birds would nest in them. wasps too one year i think. now we don’t do wreaths.

       twinkly lights are always nice. otherwise yes go for flowers – if you’re shady go for coleus.

   12. Bay laurel grows wild in my neighborhood. We do a ton of laurel wreathes which are lovely and smell amazing.

   13. Ha I didn’t know wreaths were gauche. I have storm doors on both doors with wreaths, so that takes care of the bird nesting problem. I think the doors would look so bare and unwelcoming without wreaths!

       The front door has two fake ~3 foot tall evergreens from Costco on either side of the door. In spring/summer, I have a somewhat bushy wreath of simple spring flowers that I got from the cupcakes and cashmere brand on sale at home goods. During the not-Christmas season winter, I hang a dried eucalyptus wreath I got from a local florist, and for fall I have a wreath of fall leaves that I inherited from the prior owners of my house.

       The side door is sort of enclosed by a narrow stone entryway, it’s the bane of my existence for decorating. I’ve tried large-ish solar lanterns, but it doesn’t get enough light to come on at night, and it’s hard to find a size that is big enough to be seen but small enough to not obstruct the entryway. I tried a narrow planter, they fall over (I’ve tried several styles). One Halloween, I put a plaster gargoyle near the door and it’s still there because I can’t figure out anything else that works. We swap out his hat/tie/other accessories as appropriate for the season. He’s currently sporting a (fake) flower crown. Hanging on the door is a small wreath made of twisted vines and a couple of faux spring flowers.

   14. I should clarify—I live in a condo building, so this is an internal-facing door and the wreath would not be affected by external weather conditions!

       1. Preserved boxwood plays well with a lot of decor!

       2. Commented above re Terrain. I have the eucalyptus iron wreath on a dark green door, so I feel like it’s sort of minimalistic and understated.

   15. Plain grapevine. Natural bow. No flowers or fussy stuff.

   16. I have seasonal wreaths on my front door: tulips for spring, sunflowers for summer, fall leaves for fall, Christmasy for Christmas and winter white. I got them at our local garden store.

4. Help with a gift for hosts. I’m going to visit two couples this summer at their second homes in Colorado. Both couples are in their 60s and are wealthy. I don’t know a ton about them, but I do know that they have dogs (labs) and love to hike and cook. I’m flying and they’re picking me up at the airport, so I won’t have a car to shop when I land.

   What do I take, in addition to writing thank you notes? Send flowers ahead of time? Fancy treats for their dogs? Help! I can spend up to $200 per couple.

   1. Thank you note and a gift card to a local restaurant, or flowers sent ahead of time would be my picks.
      Labs are walking stomachs and will eat anything and everything so you don’t need ‘fancy’ so much as ‘gentle’ as they are also prone to tummy issues from being such gluttons. My english lab would love you forever if you showed up with the Trader Joes freeze dried chicken snacks. God help me if I touch the cabinet with the snacks in our kitchen, the drooling starts immediately.

   2. So I regularly host people at our second home and have dogs. I find it sweet when people bring dog stuff but it’s rarely useful because we’re strict about what we feed them and the dogs have preferences. Best gifts are home things I’m into – I love a fancy candle, something thoughtful – monogrammed boat tote is always a hit, or something to eat for breakfast or snacks – the guests who come with bags of chocolate chip cookies are my favorite. The gifts matter less than how people are when they’re there – offer to pay for things when you’re out, make your bed and don’t leave the room looking like a tossed college dorm, don’t expect me to have planned every second of your days.

      1. +1 to Breakfast snacks. One of my families favorite christmas gifts is something from Goldbelly they can’t get locally. Zuckers is right by more office and has great bagels, maybe they’d like this?
         https://www.goldbelly.com/restaurants/zuckers-bagels-and-smoked-fish/bagel-brunch-for-12-free-6-bagels?ref=merchant

      2. I host people at my only home and +1 to be a good guest while you’re visiting. A thank you note after is charming. I view a visit from someone I like as the very best gift. If I don’t like the person much, then a nice bottle of wine or a splurgy box of chocolates helps.

         1. Agree with all of this except I don’t host people I don’t like very much! A nice bottle of wine or splurgy chocolate will make me love you more, though! The best hostess gift I can remember getting is a wooden cheese board in the shape of my state — I use it all the time and think of the giver whenever I do.

   3. LL bean wicked plush throw in the XL size with a monogram – perfect for throwing over the couch when the dogs want to cuddle.

   4. If they like food, bring something local from your hometown – coffee, beer, whatever is made locally.

   5. Either bring something consumable, such as a food item your city is famous for, or take them out to a nice restaurant. You could bring dog treats, but I find dog people are picky about what they feed their pet.

      1. This, I don’t have dietary restrictions but my dog does.

         1. Same. I would view dog treats as a kindly-meant gesture but would give them away unopened because I know (and fear) my dog’s GI issues.

   6. A gift local to where you come from, preferrably consumable.

   7. Box of Burdick chocolates in the wooden box.

   8. A guest recently brought a bag of coffee from their favorite non-chain coffee shop in their neighborhood. We used it during their visit and it was fun hearing them talk about why it’s their favorite and what else they like about their neighborhood.

   9. Thank you all for the comments and suggestions.

      My sister tells me that I’m a very good houseguest because I’m tidy, I clean up my room each day and before I leave, and I help make meals and clean up/do dishes afterward. My mom raised me to write thank you notes. So I’m covered on those things, but thank you for saying so in case I wasn’t.

      1. You would be amazed at how many people are total slobs in other people’s homes. I don’t care how people live in their own spaces, but when that turns into a messy guest it’s a nightmare. Glad that’s not you!

         1. This is the exact reason that my parents don’t loan out their vacation home to other people. My parents are insanely meticulous and would not be able to deal with someone who was a slob in their house.
            My two closets friends don’t care about housekeeping at all. As a guest, one of them cleans up after herself when she visits. The other one does not and is happy to stay in a hotel, which is better for our friendship.

         2. +1. I adore my SIL/BIL but they are total slobs and it stresses me out to have them for more than 2 nights. It is also really exhausing to run around after them straightening up/putting away for multiple meals, they literally won’t even load their own dishes into the dishwasher. As long as you make your bed, offer to help cook/clean up and write thank you notes you are an A+++ guest.

         3. Certain people are slobs period but sometimes the host makes it hard to be tidy. Put a lined garbage can in the bedroom and all bathrooms, add enough hooks and towel bars, have a nightstand on each side of the bed with a coaster, reserve some closet space with empty hangers, and have a desk or dresser in the bedroom with an empty surface. I swear when I visit this relative it’s impossible not to spread your belongings across the floor.

   10. Books if you know what they like, or send a hamper

   11. I’d consider something like a set of four Yeti wine cups in a neutral color. Don’t monogram them. Easy to re-gift if they don’t need them.

5. Has anyone had shoulder surgery and have any hot tips on how to make recovery suck less from a practical perspective? Someone mentioned to me that I should get front clasping bras, which never would have occurred to me. Anything else? I will be attempting to go in to my business casual office at the two week post-surgery mark for a presentation (surgeon thinks this is reasonable, job isn’t forcing it and it’s just important to me!) so I’m hoping to lean on some simple pants + summer short sleeve shirts type outfits for those few days.

   I somehow shredded my rotator cuff and I’m having it repaired after the 4th. I’ll be in a sling and it will be immobilized but for showering and changing clothes for at least 4 weeks. Boo.

   1. Order the ice circulation machine and have it set up before you get home. I’d also make sure your bed and couch are both set up with extension cords, a table to put medications, snacks, drinks, etc. Make sure you have laxatives and gas-x (the referred gas pain is awful), and drink as much as you can to help move things along. Get a shower chair and if possible make sure you have a handheld shower available (so much easier to manage one handed). If your doctor ok’s it, I’d look into lymphatic massage at the 2 week mark.

   2. make appointments for weekly blowouts – it’ll be easier than dealing with your hair

      1. A friend of mine did this and said it was a total lifesaver.

   3. My partner had rotator cuff surgery & these are what was most useful:

      snap shouldered shirt(s), they are def not fashion, but highly functional.
      icepacks designed for shoulders that have velcro to hold them in place.
      wedge pillows because you cannot lie straight on your back for a bit
      easy prepared food at the ready

      best of luck!

   4. Is it your dominant hand? I’ve been through this. Honestly, I worked at home until I was out of the sling/immobilization. I couldn’t really do my hair or put on a bra well. Pull on pants are helpful (no buttons, no zippers – you won’t be able to handle those one-handed). You will also need slip on shoes.

      1. Not dominant, and left side. I’m cleared to drive immediately subject to my own comfort level and being off narcotics for the requisite period. I won’t be going in daily but potentially just these 1-2 days in this presentation window in that first few weeks. DH will be drafted to help with buttons in pants or other clothing.

         1. Buttons/zippers in pants can be a problem if you’re at work and need to use the restroom. Pull on pants will be a lot easier to manage one handed.

            Shirts with buttons may be easier to get on and off, since you won’t need to move your shoulder as much to get a pull on top over your head.

            1. Faaantastic point. Maybe the occasion calls for a dress.

   5. A friend who had shoulder surgery said buying a recliner for sleeping was worth the investment. It was much easier than trying to rise from a bed post-surgery and they are still enjoying it three years later.

      1. My family member bought a cheap Costco recliner for this exact purpose. It was the only way he was able to sleep for a while.

   6. Based on a friend’s experience: If you have pets, consider how you’ll care for them. And if your pets are allowed on the furniture and love to cuddle, then they will still want to do this and they will end up hitting your shoulder, and that hurts a lot.

      My friend who lived alone had to have someone come to her house each morning to help her get dressed if she was leaving the house. Her local friends cycled through for a couple of weeks doing this.

   7. Ice machine!

      I had the short rotator cuff repair so 4 days in sling instead of 4 weeks. However, I was not ready to go back to work really after 2 weeks (I was WFH but not office ready) just so you know, so be prepared to not make your presentation.

   8. I had a more extensive shoulder surgery in the summer. My best friend drove me to get my hair washed regularly which was the hardest thing. I also struggled to sleep so both a recliner or a supportive reading pillow helped.

      I bought a lot of cheap tank tops, cut the strap and tied it around my shoulder. I also did bandeau type bras for many of the first few weeks. I will admit I had to have someone help me get dressed for several weeks. Pulling things up was just easier.

      The worst part was physical therapy. I cried a lot.

6. What should I do this weekend in New York City? Meeting up with two friends, we have Broadway tickets on Saturday night but otherwise no plans. Staying in NoMad. We like art, snacks, and people watching. I was thinking maybe the Whitney and Lower West Side stuff one day, then the Guggenheim, Central Park and UES stuff the next day, but nothing more concrete than that.

   1. If you like Art, I’d hit the MoMa on Saturday for early afternoon, have a quick dinner right after, and then go to your show. I love La Bonne Soup but there are plenty of options nearby.
      I would also try to Balthazar for brunch/lunch but you can also try Cafe Fanelli if you can’t get a reservation. Eat, then people watch as you wander along soho/through the village.

   2. I love the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. And it’s right around the corner from Katz’s Deli.

      1. Oh, and the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park is really interesting to walk through — we just stumbled on it one day. Lots of nice places to eat nearby, by the water.

         1. +1 – I was staying in a hotel across from it for work and it’s such a calm, pretty spot. The restaurants nearby are a bit touristy but if you’re visiting the 9/11 museum it’s a much nicer area to have lunch.

         2. Gotta love the juxtaposition of restaurants and the Irish Hunger Museum!

   3. if you get up to the UES check out the New York Historical — we loved the Tiffany gallery.

      1. The New York Historical is on the Upper Westside, FWIW, but close enough to the UES!

   4. Laurie Anderson is playing a free concert at Summerstage in Central Park on Friday night if you’re here by then. There’s also a cool gallery show at Yares Art of Robert Caro sculptures and Helen Frankenthaler paintings juxtaposed with each other, although that looks like it’s only open by appointment on weekends, but open until 6pm Mon-Fri.

      1. yay! i always enjoy laurie anderson concerts.

   5. If you like Klimt, I would go to the Neue Gallerie on the UES. It’s small and very doable in a short period of time, the cafe has amazing pastries (but often corresponding lines) and the gift shop is a hidden gem. If it doesn’t rain, you can line up with everyone else for tart yogurt at Butterfield Market on Madison nearby (get the berry toppings), and people watch from a bench out front. Alternatively get ice cream at Anita Gelato near your hotel in Nomad (or get both fro-yo and ice cream, no one is judging).

      1. The Neue Galerie (including the gift shop and the cafe) is closed for remodeling until the autumn, alas. I suggest the Frick Collection if you like European art from the Renaissance through 19th century.

   6. The new costume exhibit at the Met is fantastic, if you and your friends are interested in clothing and design. The Met is open until 9pm Fridays and Saturdays.

      And the Whitney’s Friday nights pay-what-you-want creates kind of a party atmosphere, and their deck is a gorgeous place to grab a cocktail and look at the city lights.

7. i have this dress almost exactly (color and all) from j crew factory, bought it two summers ago. it’s too short on me to wear at work but several shorter folks in my office wear it. nice on a hot day.

   1. I had this exact style of dress as maternity dresses from Pea in the Pod in 2012. Worked really well as a maternity dress for work. But gives me pause at buying it now when not only am I not pregnant, I also don’t want to highlight the meno belly?

      1. Same. It accentuates a belly which is great when you’re pregnant but otherwise not so much.

         1. Good tip, thanks. Was considering the dress but I really don’t like tie dresses for that reason

            1. Counterpoint, this style of dress is one of my favorites and I tend to carry my weight in the ‘pooch.’ The tie waist makes it bloating-friendly-adjustable. If the dress is too tight it would 100% cling in that area but with the right size, worth a try!

8. Outfit fail: I’m wearing a dusty pink shell top and on camera it matches my skin perfectly. Of course I have multiple external virtual meetings on a day where I look partially nude.

   1. Haha, I retired a favorite skin-toned sweater after a random fellow pedestrian stopped to tell me he thought my no-shirt blazer outfit was bold and fiiiine.

   2. Throw on some lipstick!

      1. Good call, I put on something a little brighter. I still look half-dressed but there’s more focus on my face.

         1. borrow someone else’s Office Wrap to use as a scarf?

   3. maybe hit up a store on your lunch hour? even just a black crew neck might be better.

      1. I’m out in the boonies, unfortunately. I’ve got a denim top over it and just buttoned it up for my last meeting. Oh well.

9. Has anyone bought Miz Mooz shoes and can comment on the fit/quality? I’m eyeing their Letty Wide Oxfords. Otherwise, is it totally crazy to buy a pair of men’s oxfords? I need wide shoes and there are just not that many women’s wide options for oxfords with no heel.

   1. Great quality, really comfortable.

      1. +1 agree with Miz Mooz, they’ve always been really comfortable.

      2. +1 This a a go-to brand for me

   2. cole haan has some flat oxfords

   3. Not crazy at all, but depending on the size of your feet it might be hard to find some that will fit.

   4. My favorite pair of work shoes are a decade old pair of Miz Mooz loafers. I have borderline wide feet and these are regular width that fit me comfortably, although being leather I assume they have stretched in the many, many years I have worn them.

      My feet despise every pair of Cole Haans I have ever tried. The last they use is not compatible with my foot shape.

      If you want another brand to explore, I have found Pikolinos are also wider-foot friendly.

   5. I have the Lettys and I love them. I bought about a half size bigger so I can put my Dr. Scholls inserts in them, which I do with all my shoes. I have a bit of a bunion situation, especially on one foot, and the shoes are fine for that.

      I love that Miz Mooz uses such vibrant colors – I have green Lettys and they are so pretty.

   6. Not crazy at all, if you can find your size. You might have a problem with heel fit, though, men’s shoes have wider heels, and if you’re like me you might have wide feet and narrow heels.

   7. Love them — great quality, comfortable, last a long time.

10. Just FYI quince has a very similar dress to this but half the price and much nicer fabric content, it’s called the Stretch Cotton Jersey Side Tie Midi Dress

    1. Boden has something similar on sale right now.

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