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Updated: Nov 24, 2023 57 Comments · by

Deal Alert – ShopBop

Fashion· Sales | ·

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Shoshanna Combo Sheath Dress

We just returned from a hard day out shopping and movie-watching to find this tantalizing offer from ShopBop, and we've already filled our cart (seriously, we're getting about $500 worth of stuff). Lots of good stuff, including this lovely dress (Shoshanna Combo Sheath Dress) from Shoshanna — was $340, marked to $170, price comes to $136 in your cart.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

(And, for those of you who've been waiting, you will be thrilled to know that those Alexander McQueen stretch leather shorts are also on sale.)

(We're joking, but if you can pull them off, more power to you.) 2 DAYS ONLY! EXTRA 20% Off Items Marked 50% AND 70% Off at Shopbop with code EXTRA20. Ends 12/29 @ 11:59pm PST.

And, of course, don't forget about our holiday open thread…
(L-4)

Comments

  2. KLo

    As a not-so-small girl, I feel as though I can say this without being AS offensive … but those shorts were made in a size 42?!?! Was that hip size? Eeek…

  3. Amy

    So I went into the 7o% off section at ShopBop and just had to laugh. Honestly, the only profession most of those clothes are appropriate for is the world’s oldest. If you are turning tricks on the weekend to make ends meet (or perhaps engaging in some exotic dancing) you’ll find plenty of clothing to go with those Alexander McQueen leather shorts. Hooker-trash-tastic.

    • AIMS

      Talk about snarky comments!

      I could not disagree more. Obviously with about 886 items on sale not everything is office appropriate, but a lotof the items are (check out the lovely boots, e.g., and cardigans), and a lot that aren’t are still great for other of life’s occasions (not sure about you, but I do not wear work clothes exclusively… sometimes, I actually dress for me, & not just for my “profession”).

      Thanks for putting up the link, C — some of us appreciate it!

      • L

        I’m with you AIMS! I feel like many people in these comments want to confine work clothes to an incredibly rigid set of rules that only allow for straight-cut pants, sweater sets, unassuming black suits, and dowdy shoes. You can be stylish, edgy, even a bit trendy (god forbid!), and still be 100% professional in even very conservative workplaces–you just have to step outside the comfort zone and experiment a bit. Maybe that’s not for you, but that doesn’t mean you should knock others who enjoy having some fun with their fashion.

        • Ariella

          This is a very interesting discussion to me. I work in a small law firm (6 attys) and one of the attys was terminated earlier in the year. She was very “fashion forward,” and it really worked against her in the firm. In fact, we were just at the company Christmas party and the office manager, her managing partner, and her support staff were all making fun of things she would wear around the office (apparently she had a set of knee-high boots with bows on the back that were “weird”? I don’t know… I thought she dressed appropriately).

          I thought it was in extremely bad taste because she was terminated without any warning and without ever getting a negative performance review. So not only did the firm sort of screw her in that regard, but then they rubbed salt in the wound by criticizing her clothing at the Christmas party.

          So I guess that what we wear really DOES matter at our offices. Even though her attire was always appropriate (no cleavage, no leg, nothing too tight, etc), they still found fault with her fashion choices because they were more avant-garde than you might otherwise see in our small city.

          • anon - chi

            My experience is not quite so extreme as Ariella’s, but I know of three different female attorneys who received comments during their reviews about their clothing (one positive, the other two negative). It definitely IS noticed and can affect your review, even if it’s unfair, weird, and sexist. Maybe male attorneys get comments on their dress as well, but I’ve never heard of any that were communicated during a formal review.

          • Lawgirl

            My experience is not quite so extreme as Ariella’s, but I know of three different female attorneys who received comments during their reviews about their clothing (one positive, the other two negative). It definitely IS noticed and can affect your review, even if it’s unfair, weird, and sexist. Maybe male attorneys get comments on their dress as well, but I’ve never heard of any that were communicated during a formal review.

          • divaliscious11

            Ariella – if they terminated her with no notice and then talk about her, it really isn’t her clothes…. She could dress like a nun, and they’d talk about her clothes….especially because, as you said, she was always appropriate…..

    • Mel

      I checked out the full-price selection as well and found very few items that were work appropriate. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the clothing is hooker trashtastic, but the vast majority seems to be for a night out on the town. I’m in my early 30s and feel like I’m well past the age where I should be wearing a majority of the items on this site even at night.

      • Amy

        This is probably more the point I was trying to make. I am in my middle thirties. I have a husband and a child (and two dogs, mortgage, etc.) and my clubbing days are long behind me, thank you Jesus. These days, when I go out, it’s with my husband – and while he might like how some of this looks in the bedroom, I don’t think he’d much like to see me wearing it outside the house, or in front of our son. Or sometimes I go out with my female friends who are older than me, and none of us are wearing leggings and shredded tank tops to go to dinner in an upscale restaurant, believe me. Even in the long-ago days when I did go out clubbing I preferred a much more conservative look than most of what ShopBop offers. So maybe it is a matter of personal taste. My preferences run more to Saks and Neiman Marcus than Talbots and LL Bean but I do believe in the power of clothing to tell others who you are, and I don’t think some of those clothes (even with a blazer, or even a trench coat) say “taste and class,” which is what I try to communicate with my clothes no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I didn’t say the entire site was geared towards stripper-wear – some of it looked great and I particularly fell in love with a Marc Jacobs tote I’m thinking of getting – but definitely what I saw in the 70 percent off section was not what I’d call appropriate clothing, no matter what the occasion. Even on “nights out” or when I’m dressing “for myself” in my town, there’s a very good possibility I’ll bump into someone who knows me, or my husband, and I don’t think having the tatas (and other assorted goodie bits) on full display is the classiest social move once one is married and past one’s 30th birthday. Unless, of course, you’re aspiring to be on one of those Real Housewives shows, in which case, let the tatas out at any and every opportunity! Some of those clothes in the 70% off bin would be perfect for those gals.

        • Lawgirl

          Amy, those clothes were definitely designed with the hootchie-mama in mind ;-) Got a good laugh.

        • AIMS

          The only oint I was trying to make is that you do not need to be literal in how you wear the clothes shown — i.e., there is no need to pair the long cardigan shown with the shredded tank & skinny jeans, you could just as easily wear it with a white button down and pants (and look stylish AND professional in the process).

          I am in my late twenties so a bit younger, but for the record — I have never gone “clubbing” as I find the experience to be rather lame (no offense to anyone who enjoys being too close to too many strangers), I never showcase my “tatas,” and I do not watch nor dress like any of the Real Housewives. I do, however, think that it’s wrong to make any assumptions about who wears what kind of clothing. There are any number of ways to wear any 1 item — Saks & NM do not have the monopoly on “taste & class.” Moreover, just as someone can wear something from Talbots or LL Bean w/o it looking frumpy or dowdy (and I do), there are plenty of items on shopbop, etc., that you can wear without seeming even remotely “trashtastic”. It’s all in the execution!

          PS: Just an fyi — more than half of what’s available at the shopbop site is also available from Saks, and NM, and Nordstrom (your proposed “preferences”) . . . which just goes to my only point — that presentation & context really are key here.

          • Rachel

            I’m starting to get offended. I LOVE Talbots and don’t find my clothes to be dowdy at all. Am I that far out of the loop? (Kidding on the offended bit, but I DO love Talbots – and they are having a great sale right now!)

          • AIMS

            I love Talbots too — was only using it for reference b/c of the stereotypes ;)

  5. Heather

    I have ordered the black and gray dress pictured. Thank you for the recommendation!

    • Lawgirl

      @Heather – I got it too at Neiman’s for $154 (slightly more than @ Shopbop). Shoshanna runs somewhat narrow in my experience, so I’m crossing my fingers that it’ll fit this “Brick__HOUSE.” LOL. Let’s trade notes when we get it!

  6. Lynette

    Seriously… do folks really think that C suggested this site for “work appropriate” clothing? I think that she has been having a little fun as most of what she has been featuring since Christmas has been a little “relaxed”. Besides, weren’t there posters asking that C put up some casual and going out options?

    Shopbop *is* geared towards the young and uber-trendy and if your comfort level doesn’t extend past Talbots or LL Bean, then of course the site is not for you. I do see a smattering of things that I would feel comfortable wearing for a night out clubbing with the girls and I think I could feel safe that a man would not approach me to ask what I was charging for the evening.

      • AIMS

        I agree, but I really do think that if you can think slightly outside the box, there is a great handful of things that could easily be worn to work (e.g., the above pictured dress w/a blazer on a friday, or some of the cardigans/jackets featured, and many of the shoes which (at least in my opinion) are much more work appropriate than the constant selection of mary janes, etc., that gets featured on this site).

  7. Lawgirl

    C is stylin’ and having fun. It’s cute to see, actually. She usually “sounds” super serious and buttoned-down while at BigLaw. Personally, I’m in uber-cheap mode and have been waffling on spending $30 on silk tops at Anne Klein and Jones New York…. The next installment of private school tuition for my kids makes me much less shoppy after Christmas.. Pffthhhh. ;-D

  8. Woman of Color

    I am going to hijack the thread for a second. I am debating how to resolve my minor dilemma. I am applying for a scholarship for female law students. Applicants for the scholarship had to be recommended by their school, so I am honored that I was selected. The application says to submit an essay, and a letter of recommendation, and that is it. The essay is pretty straight forward, and my letter of recommendation is solid, as I am sure all of the other applicants are as well. My question is, do I send a resume as well. My resume is where I really stand out. I have had a very storied career path, that led me to law school. But I am a stickler for following directions (blame it on previously teaching middle school). Do you think that adding the resume will knock me out of the runnings since they don’t ask for one? I really would like to get this scholarship. Although the scholarship is not a large amount, it will pay for bar app fees (taking two bars), graduation fees, and a suit or two (couldn’t forget the suit, this is after-all Corporette). Would love to hear feedback. Thank you in advance.

    • AIMS

      I think you should send the resume. I don’t see how it hurts — and if you’re concerned that it would be seen as “not following directions,” include a note (brief cover letter?) saying something along the lines of “enclosed are X, Y, and my resume for reference in case you need it …. Please let me know if you require any additional information”

      That said, I would ask your school’s office for advice (perhaps they can discreetly put in a call), and also check if you can find anyone from your school who previously received the fellowship (ask the office that nominated you if it’s not readily available info). Most likely, you’ll be able to get the past winner’s contact info, or just find it online, and you can contact them for advice. In my experience, alums are usually helpful with this sort of thing & will gladly share with you their experiences (including whether they sent a resume).

    • J

      I agree with the above comment. I’d send the resume, unless you speak to someone who really knows this process and they have a great reason not to. I can’t see why it would hurt and I think it only makes you look more enthusiastic and professional.

  9. carissa

    I too love shopbop.

    But I felt so silly when I learned that Amazon purchased them (in 2006) because I thought they were a small independent retailer.

    Just shows you what I know.

  10. Lawgirl

    @Woman of Color – Send the resume! I’ve reviewed applications for various scholarship funds and admissions processes and believe me, people send in the kitchen sink with their application if they think it’s pertinent (certificates, pictures, awards, musical compositions, poems, artwork, etc). Your resume can only help you. Good luck! Cheers & Happy Holidays,
    – Lawgirl (another “woman of color”)

  11. Woman of Color

    Thank you everyone for the feedback. I am definitely going to include the resume. Lawgirl, you brought back memories of a time when I sat on an interview panel for students seeking summer positions. One kid came in with print-outs of an article that was written about him in some obscure newspaper, and one bronzed size 14 shoe that he wanted us to keep. The reason being – he thought that the internship was a great way to get his foot in the door. Man, have not thought about that in years. The shoe is probably still at that office.

  12. Nicole

    I think the holidays are getting to us all! I know that I have been highly critical of people (including my poor husband) lately.

    In an effort to “change the subject” a bit, I wanted to ask C-readers their thoughts regarding symbolic/personal jewelry in the office and in front of clients. I am definitely a relationship-oriented type of person, and I own a couple of necklaces with heart-shaped pendants (they were given to me as gifts from my husband, and I love to wear them). Recently, my boss (consulting field) told me that I shouldn’t wear heart-shaped jewelry in front of clients. In the conversation, she was referring to a necklace of mine. However, I also wear a ring on my right hand –it is a small cross with a heart in the middle. I’m wondering if she thinks I shouldn’t wear this ring as well.

    If I had to, I can agree with her about the heart-shaped pendant necklace, but I am reluctant to agree with her about the ring. I’m a Christian and a follower of Jesus, and it symbolizes something for me that is far greater and more important to me than how I may be perceived by a client. I think it’s actually more subtle than wearing a cross as a necklace (because when you look at my face, you don’t notice it). Also, it’s a very personal thing for me– I like to be able to see it and be reminded of my faith while I’m at work and elsewhere. What do other C-readers think? Should I follow her advice and take it off or should I keep wearing it because it’s part of who I am?

    • Cat

      I can see your boss’s point about keeping hearts away from clients — unlike other shapes of jewelry, it’s the focus on a “romantic” symbol rather than the business at hand. And with it hanging around your neck, it’s an easy focal point (rather than a bracelet / ring).

      From the way you describe the ring, I can’t imagine that’s what she meant (especially because in that context, if someone is studying your hand closely enough to see the ring design, the heart would clearly refer to your faith). I’d say to keep it on.

    • Rachel

      I think you should do what makes you comfortable. That said, the cross ring would put me off a little and give me a certain impression of you. If you were competent at your job, you’d overcome that impression pretty quickly – for me. Just my thoughts.

      I don’t get the heart thing. That wouldn’t be off-putting to me at all.

  13. Sharon

    Your boss sounds nuts. This sounds about as nutty as the advice I was given in the 1980’s to not wear my engagement ring when I went on interviewing for consulting gigs because it would show that I wasn’t “serious”. What on earth is inappropriate about heart-shaped jewelry? My goodness, someone you meet might think that someone loves you? Ridiculous. Presuming that it’s otherwise in good taste, keep it on.

    As for your ring, I also see no reason you shouldn’t continue to wear it. FWIW, I am Jewish. My business partner is Catholic. We consult to / for CEO’s of major companies. I wouldn’t think twice if she chose to wear a tasteful piece of jewelry that had a cross or other religious symbol on it. I don’t think it would be prudent to wear something that was large, in-your-face or gaudy, but small and tasteful? Absolutely.

    This advice seems so very dated, to me. So very John Malloy Dress For Success mid 1980’s.

    • Cat

      Regardless of whether the boss is dated or bizarre, it doesn’t sound like Nicole is in a position to make a statement about what the modern woman can or cannot wear around her neck — obviously the boss feels strongly enough about it to pull her aside. If the boss is that sensitive about other issues, perhaps time to start looking for other opportunities; if this is the only odd thing… count your blessings?

  14. Sharon

    It just sounds about as dated as the boss pulling her aside and saying, “Dear, are you sure you should be working? Don’t women belong at home, barefoot and pregnant? Shouldn’t you have left that law-school spot open for a man?”

    The train’s already left the station on this one. In corporate America at large, it’s entirely appropriate to wear heart-shaped jewelry, to wear modest and tasteful jewelry with religious significance, etc. and it has been for the last 2 decades. Maybe it’s because I’m from consulting, not law, but some of what I read on here just seems so incredibly behind the times.

  15. Lawgirl

    Sharon, co-sign that!

    [Soapbox time, please humor mean] I know it’s a tough economy and all, but Corporate America provides a livelihood for us; we aren’t chattel. Don’t change who you are and what you believe in for a paycheck. I don’t mean to sound bitter, but I’ve jumped through hoops for a Company, put my life on hold, and I won’t do it again. EVER. Layoffs and downsizing has taught many of us that no one is indispensible, and we can be tossed out on the streets in a hot minute regardless of how “professional” we dress, how great our reviews are or how hardworking we are… [Off Soapbox now. LOL]

  16. Sharon

    Since I’m not a lawyer :-), I don’t know the law behind this. Can a private employer ask an employee not to wear religious-themed jewelry? (I’m excluding the types of jobs in which all jewelry is forbidden for health or sanitation purposes, such as in a factory.) Is there a difference if it is a government employer?

  17. Nicole

    That’s a good question, Sharon.

    I don’t think she was referring specifically to my ring when she said I shouldn’t wear jewelry with hearts. (Her comment simply made me wonder if my ring would be included in the “do not wear” category, which I see that others think is ridiculous.) I think she was just giving me advice on what would make me appear more professional in front of clients. She seemed to be trying to mentor me, and I appreciated that. I do take some things with a grain of salt, so I wasn’t put off by her comments. She also recommended that I wear more blazers and white collared shirts, both of which are supposed to make me appear older and more authoritative. Personally, I think that some of these things (age, authority, experience, etc.) will just come in due time. I love my job, though, so I am willing to listen to her advice.

    • Mel

      Her views just sound incredibly dated to me. White button-down shirts? Seriously? You need a style that both looks professional but allows you to feel comfortable and confident. She’s acting like wearing a heart shaped locket is akin to tattooing “I love John” in a conspicuous area, which it is not. If you can’t wear a heart locket, might as well forget about wearing a wedding/engagement ring as well- too lovey dovey after all.

    • SUCL 3L

      My guess is that your boss sees wearing heart jewelry as something that young people do. That may also be why she suggested wearing more white shirts and blazers to look older. The reason I think of it is when I was a kid one of the first sets of “nice” jewelry my parents bought me was a gold heart pendant with matching earrings. And as an adult I can’t say that I’ve bought too much heart-shaped jewelry (but that’s also my personal taste).
      While personally I agree with Lawgirl, Sharon, and everone else, that your boss has some very dated opinions on work fashions, I would suggest humoring her a little. She is your boss and someone who’s trying to mentor you. Wear the jewelry from your husband (which I’m sure is lovely and totally work appropriate) when you’re not expecting to meet with clients.

  18. Sharon

    I do think jackets — or a third piece in general — often project authority, and if you are young-looking, that’s not a bad thing. But the heart thing? Unless you’re wearing some cutesy valentine’s day sweater, a silver heart locket around your neck or something similar is just fine, IMO.

  19. L

    I think if you step back and assume the boss is coming from a good place, she’s got a point. Personally, I think heart-shaped jewelry generally (though there are always exceptions) can seem a bit unprofessional and perhaps young. Now, if I think that, as a 30-something year old woman, imagine what a 40+ year old man thinks. And chances are, those will be some of your clients.
    Does this mean you should change your jewelry or personal style/preferences? Not necessarily, but it’s probably a good thing to keep in mind and maybe, now that you know, you make occasional adjustments based on which clients you’ll be seeing.
    Also, it’s possible the boss has the impression that you come off as being very young or less professional than others and is trying to steer you in the right direction w/ some general tips.

    All that said, I wouldn’t touch the ring.

  20. LYA

    Re: The heart jewelery comment –

    It really is going to depend. I personally avoid the heart-shaped jewelery at work (and I have some very pretty and tasteful Tiffany silver heart pendants from my college co-ed/ sorority sister days). But I have seen older women, wearing very tasteful and conservative suits, get away with more eclectic jewelery choices. So I think you should consider your overall style and dress when wearing a heart-shaped pendant. If you are otherwise dressed rather conservatively, I doubt anyone will care. But if you prefer to stay more business-casual with regard to your professional dress, it could place your clothing choice firmly is the relm of casual/ weekend-ish wear, and depending on your office, this could in fact be a major faux pas.

    I personally dislike religious jewelery at work, but it’s a free country, so if it makes you happy and you believe in the significance of your ring, I say rock it. =)

    • Lawgirl

      I won’t beat this horse anymore after this (promise!). People think this about a HEART PENDANT?! Maybe I’m from another planet, but as a child of the 70s who’s rubbed shoulders with the “titans of industry” as a lowly lawyer, all I can say is: Wow, wow, wow. Um-um-um. Corporette Girlfriends, call me cRaZy, but this is what I say: Focus more on your work product & get this chick (well meaning as she might be) out of your head. NEXT.

  21. Nicole

    I really do appreciate all of your feedback. I’m going to continue wearing the ring (it’s subtle but meaningful to me), and I will occasionally bring out the heart-shaped necklace whenever I think my boss won’t have a problem with it. It’s a nice piece of jewelry– very tasteful. It’s Brighton, but it’s not at all gaudy or flashy.

    I like knowing that not EVERYONE has the same opinion about this topic.

    • AN

      Nicole

      I cannot believe your boss’s comments – which century is she living in?? However if you really are concerned, I’d reserve the pendant for casual Fridays/non-client days. Not sure about the ring as it’s not what I’d wear – but hey it’s important to you and so I’d say – go for it!

      A final word, as a non-American, I’m surprised at how “buttoned up (or should that be buttoned-down?)” corporate America seems to be when it comes to this stuff!!

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