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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Anne Klein seems to have a number of cute tops on sale right now, including this lovely mini floral printed top. I think the colors make this a great piece for late summer all the way into late winter, and particularly like the ruffled details on the neckline and the cap sleeves. It was $59, but is now marked to $44 at AnneKlein.com. AK Anne Klein – Mini Floral Print Drape Neck Top (Persimmon/Black) – Apparel Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-2)Sales of note for 11.5.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – 11/5 only – 60% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 25% off with your GAP Inc. credit card
- Bloomingdales is offering gift cards ($20-$1200) when you spend between $100-$4000+. The promotion ends 11/10, and the gift cards expire 12/24.
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Fall clearance event, up to 85% off
- J.Crew – 40% off fall favorites; prices as marked
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Up to 30% off on new arrivals
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Buy one, get one – 50% off everything!
- White House Black Market – Holiday style event, take 25% off your entire purchase
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Teodora
It is beautiful. WHBM also has very nice floral tops!
Teodora
Teodoraslookbook.com
Cat
Eh. I’m having trouble mustering an opinion on this one – perfectly serviceable, but the kind of top I might pick up because it’s down to $20 at Ann Taylor and I’m bored with my current shells, only to end up wearing it 2x.
Philly threadjack: Shoe repair places. My much beloved pair of Ferragamo heels is in need of some TLC – after 2 years the sidewalk finally caught my heel, and the leather tore away from the heel a little. I have my normal cheap-o place for heel tips and a quick polish, but am wary of giving them this type of repair. Anyone have a favorite, trusted place in Center City?
Clothing in Cairo
third time commenting’s the charm?
If you’re willing to look past Center City, Main Liners (at least my family) trust the guy at the Wynnewood shopping center. It’s right off of the R5 stop.
Anon
Superior Shoe Repair at 138 S. 15th st is amazing. They completely resoled my favorite pair of frye boots last winter for $30. Superior Shoe Repair is cheap, fast, and awesome, but only takes cash.
Conviently located next to the best tailer intown, IMO.
Cat
Thanks! I think I can picture their storefront.
Sei
It doesn’t look like it would hold up very well after multiple washings. The description says it’s stretch poly / jersey. I have shirts with similar fabric from JCPenneys (which probably cost about a third of this) which last about 20 washes before the fabric starts to really pill. Anybody have experience with Anne Klein’s stretch poly shirts?
Emma
I’m not a huge fan of red and black together, for whatever reason. The shape is nice, though.
Not Law
ha–red/black were my school’s colors, and 30+ years later I still feel like I’m going to a pep rally when I wear them together.
The Online Shopper
I like the shape, I don’t mind the colors, but I have a lot of trouble with cap sleeves. I do not think that cap sleeves are flattering for most all women. The exception may be the very thin with extremely toned arms… Do you ladies agree, or do you all like cap sleeves?
Emily I
I loooooove cap sleeves, but I also happen to be a rather thin woman with relatively toned arms (thanks to my 3-year-old who still likes to be carried around – great upper body workout!).
anon
they are helpful for women with narrow shoulders – personally my shoulders are on the broader side, so yeah i don’t like them either.
Hike!
I don’t have toned arms but I look like a linebacker in capped sleeves. Plus they tend to chafe under certain suits. I have a few cute ones, but I wear them like tank tops – no suit jacket removal.
J
I have read that they’re actually flattering on most women, even if you dislike your arms. Apparently short sleeves tend to hit women at the widest part, accentuating the width, while bare arms or cap sleeves don’t highlight the widest part.
anon
i agree that they tend to be more flattering than short sleeves, which i generally dislike. my favorite are sleeves that end mid-way between your elbow and your wrist. although those can be tricky to wear under suits.
SF Bay Associate
I like capped sleeves, especially under cardigans or suits – it seems more legit to take off the outer layer when there’s some semblance of sleeve. I am thin and my arms are definitely not toned.
Off topic, at the gym this morning, I saw a woman likely in her 60s who was amazing shape – very toned and strong, but not thin – she just looked really healthy and fit. She was pressing like 75 lbs. Stunning and inspirational. Something for me to work towards for the next few decades from the 15 lbs I’m now using!
Anonymous
Rock on to you both!
Lydia
I love cap sleeves. I am pretty thin/small shoulders. I generally thought that cap sleeves are flattering to most women, but I guess I could see how they could emphasize broad shoulders on someone.
Anonymous Poser
Cap sleeves are less than ideal for me, but I don’t mind wearing them.
Except I don’t wear them under suits, because then I’m sweating directly onto the *suit*. So I hunt for tops with a good neckline (for me, this means scoop neck or square neck or something–no crew necks or v-necks) and sleeves that cover my armpits.
Boden Tailoring Collection
Is anybody familiar with this? I learned about it in a Boden email this morning. Some of the jackets and dresses are gorgeous. I’ll post a link to my favorite in a reply post.
Boden Tailoring Collection
I think this dress is beautiful:
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Tailoring/BQ008-DAQ/Womens-Mallard-Chic-Wool-Dress.html
anon
I was just drooling over that dress yesterday, but alas, I am now firmly convinced that Boden dresses just do not work on me. I’ve ordered about 6 or 7 different styles and sizes, and but 1 has worked. sweaters, tops, and jackets are wonderful though.
AIMS
That’s a gorgeous dress. I think as far as the suiting collection goes, Boden has gotten very mixed reviews. I loved the sheath dress they had in the collection earlier but all the reviews said sizing was very off (maybe because they usually deal more with knit and jersey fabrics?) so I hesitated to order. Boden is usually very responsive to customer feedback though, so perhaps they have solved that problem. If you find a free shipping code, it might be worth ordering. If you do, please report back!
Anon
I bought that sheath dress in purple on super-sale. It did in fact fit funky (and boden dresses usually work for me) but it was marked down enough that it was worth it to me to tailor it. Now it looks amazing and I get tons of compliments on it.
I love this blue dress too. Hopefully it will get marked down significantly too and then I can scoop it up and tailor it as well.
anon in manhattan
Nice dress. I’m another one who’s had fit problems with Boden. No criticism; the line’s just not cut for my size and proportions.
rg
I’ve been eyeing this as well. Can anyone comment on Boden sizing? I’m typically 00P at places like AT and BR (sometimes 0P in bottoms b/c I have a proportionally wider lower half). The size charts suggest that a Boden 2 might fit, but I’m generally skeptical of such charts.
PollyD
I think Boden tends to run a bit narrow in the hips. Your best bet for guessing size is probably to look at the actual garment dimensions given on the website and compare them to a dress or skirt you already own (measure it) that fits you well. I am a 2 in BR skirts, but a 6 in Boden skirts. The 6 is a little loose on me in the waist, but the 4 was way too tight in the hips. I take a 4 in their drapey-style jersey dresses.
rg
Thanks Polly. Sounds like there’s a chance it could fit me. I’m assuming you are referring to US, not UK, sizing. Is that right?
PollyD
Yes, US sizing. I think their skirts and dresses tend to be a bit on the long side – I’m 5’3.5″ and not especially long- or short-legged and the skirts and dresses hit me mid-knee to slightly below. Something to think about if you like your dresses shorter and there’s a decorative hem.
rg
Thanks.
Anonymous
Narrow down below, generous up top. They must all be super-babes in the UK! :) I still adore and buy Boden, though. Just something to be aware of– try a couple of sizes, don’t feel bad if it’s snug below– it’s not just you! I think they’re worth it, still a favorite shop.
Ru
Wow that dress is beauuuutiful!
belle
I have just gotten another shipment of dresses from Boden. I am 5’6″, 130, and have a narrow waste, small chest (nearly A), and normal/wider hips. Both the dresses (size 6) fit great. There is a little space in the waist, but that is not a problem for me, since I can add a belt.
In my experience, the hips are not necessarily tight or narrow with Boden sizing, but rather the chest is a bit generous.
Bonnie
Sending back my latest Boden purchase today. I’ve had luck with their jackets but have struck out on dresses. The quality is nice but they just don’t fit me correctly. I ordered one in a tall size, hoping that the waist would be lower but no such luck.
Ru
All these comments about high waists and narrow hips is really beginning to make me think Boden is cut for me. I have *such* a hard time buying dresses because the waist is always cut too low. When I scrounge up enough monopoly money, Boden and I are going to have a nice date.
Blonde Lawyer
Just wanted to post a positive review on Boden.
I have odd proportions. I’m 5’7″ with 34DD’s and weigh 130 – but, I have SIGNFICANT fat in my mid-section. I’m not someone with body issues. My doctor flat out told me that despite my scrawny arms and legs and non-existent hips, my stomach needs to be whittled down or it can be dangerous for my organs. My % body fat in that area is high. (Hence, my post about “skinny fat” a few weeks back.) Clothed, I look slim. Naked, its clear I have “more to love” in the tum.
Anyways, I typically have to buy dresses to fit the boobs and gut and then have the waist and hips taken in. My boden dress fit PERFECT in a size 8. I hope that helps anyone else trying to figure out what size to order.
anon
thanks for your honest input!
what you’re saying completely corroborates what others have said about Boden in separate threads, especially about the empire waists – it sounds like your body type would benefit from that style and apparently, you do.
AIMS
I have to join the chorus on this — not a fan of the print or the execution of this one at all. Agree that black and red can look off together, I think maybe there is just something dated about the color combo. At any rate, at $44 (plus shipping?) this top hardly seems like a “bargain” to me, you could get a lot better for the money (FYI – Boden has a number of really cute tops on sale right no for $20-40, including silk & cotton).
Bunkster
See. I love this top. I like red and black together. Actually, I like red and anything together (red’s my favorite color). But I’m with you on the price. I wouldn’t pay more than $35 tops for this.
Lyssa
I agree, though I probably wouldn’t do more than $30. I’ll add that my last order from Ann Klein was enough to make me swear off ordering online for good- nothing looked like it did in the pictures, and one shirt in particular was pretty much unwearable (super-thin, completely see-through fabric, even though it wasn’t the sort of top that you would wear a cami underneath, and what looked like a nice cream in the picture was actually a dingy light gray, like a white shirt that’d been through the wash way too much. I was mad.
AEK
I think the styling is adding to the dated look here. That blouse could look more current, even as a pop of color under a suit (not sure about the neckline, though).
SeaElle
Agreed. I think the shirt plus the slicked down hair and the big earrings all add to this dated look. I will also note that I think all of those things separately can look modern but all together it tends to look very 90s in this instance.
Ru
Interesting article on women’s mentoring groups http://reclaimingleadership.com/want-to-get-ahead-in-your-career-put-away-the-pictures-of-little-billy/. I had no idea such groups existed, really. Anybody know of any worthwhile ones to join in NYC?
anon
Very interesting link (and site). I agree with the premise 100%.
In my experience in NYC, women’s mentoring groups (or the equivalent opportunities) have come out of 3 places:
– my company, which is huge and very woman-friendly. (I’m not a lawyer, surprise.) They sponsor various mentorship programs for junior employees, employees of XYZ ethnicity, etc.
– b-school alumni network, which has a woman-specific branch in NYC.
– industry organizations for women. 85 Broads is a well-known one within the finance world.
Other ideas might be to search LinkedIn for leads.
Ru – i don’t know what industry you are in, but hopefully that helps a bit.
J
My alumni club has a women’s network, which holds regular mentoring and networking events. Perhaps look into your alumni club?
anon in manhattan
I like the pattern and colors of the top. It’s a little short for me. I dislike polyester and tend to avoid it.
Threadjack/All-Nighters:
The New York Times had an article on various types of wipes and the author liked this brand for body cleansing in a pinch. If you’re in an office without a shower, they might be useful if you want to clean up:
http://www.nathansports.com/our-products/hydrationnutrition/multi-sportrace-essentials/power-shower-body-wipes
I learned for the first time yesterday that some gyms have “shower only” memberships. You can pay a reduced fee just to use the facility to shower. This came up during a lecture on bike commuting.
Makeup Junkie
My sister belongs a gym that working girls use for showers. I suppose it depends on the neighborhood, but there you go.
Anonymous
Um, do you mean what I think you mean by “working girls”?
Makeup Junkie
Yes.
CW
Bag repair threadjack: I have a Rebecca Minkoff leather bag with metal studs in it. One of the studs just popped off (and it’s noticeable). I tried the usual stuff, but it won’t stay on. There’s still a tiny bit of the metal attached to the stud, so I’m trying to figure out if I could either take it to a repair shop (and what kind of repair shop? just a good shoe/leather guy?), or perhaps use superglue. Anyone ever had to fix anything like that? TIA!
Anonymous
I would try asking this question in the Rebecca Minkoff subforum on purseforum dot com.
Ellen
Bring it to the SHOE repairman. They have alot of stuff that can be put on to leather bags and shoes.
I had a pair of shoes with BUCKELS on them. One of the BUCKELS bent and the shoe guy fixed it for FREE.
Bonnie
Take is to a cobbler.
J
I don’t know if Rebecca Minkoff has standalone stores – I don’t think they do but if there is one in your area ask for their recommendation. Otherwise I’d call the purse department of a high-end store that sells RM bags (like Nordstrom) and ask for their recommendation on where to have it repaired.
I personally wouldn’t use superglue on an expensive bag. If the bag was worth the money it’s worth having professionally repaired.
anon
Also, if you can’t reattach the stud, maybe call rebecca minkoff directly and ask them to send you a replacement that you can have put on? Last year, I lost a button type thing off a pair of jimmy choo flats and was heart broken. I called their main customer service number, and much to my surprise, they just sent me another button. Now the shoes are as good as new.
Maddie Ross
I currently carry a Rebecca Minkoff bag (the MAB) and it is wearing faster and worse than any previous bag I’ve ever carried. If you have luck getting your bag repaired, come back and let us know. I’d be curious to hear whether there is any hope for mine, or if I just need to switch it out.
Elisa
I’m so sorry about your bag. Your story just sealed the deal for me though. I just bought a devote tote from Yoox and will be returning it. It was a freaking steal at $135, but the problem? It’s not even worth that. The leather is paper thin and delicate. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the devote, but it’s a huge tote bag! There’s no way I could fill it to capacity and expect the leather on the handles to not tear.
I love the design but I honestly think that it’s meant to sit on a shelf and look pretty. But I’ve been feeling that way about a lot of bags lately. How do these things get through quality control? Does anyone actually test drive them?
Anonymous
My fiance recently got into buying leather goods for himself. And we met the artisan who made his heavy duty laptop bag / briefcase. The guy explained to us that most leather nowadays is bonded or genuine meaning that its been shaved very thin and then glued to a fabric backing. The cutting technology has gotten better, so instead of getting two pieces of leather out of a hide like they used to they can sometimes get three or four pieces width-wise out of a single hide.
He also said that anytime you buy soft or buttery leather its because they put all sorts of chemicals on it to break down the leather. And that it’s already on its way out when you get it.
Now my fiance only buys things that are “boot leather” quality. Which is much more expensive. (Although one place — Saddle Back Leather has a 100 year guarantee — but nothing very feminine).
And I haven’t bought a single new bag since we talked to the leather maker. It’s too depressing to think about spending money on things that are just so poorly made.
Elisa
I occasionally lurk around the Purse Forum, and every time someone talks about their ‘buttery, soft, smooshy leather’ I immediately think, huh, it won’t be long before that bag is darkened/stained and the corners are worn through. And what do you know! Soon there are long threads complaining about that same bag.
You’re right! It really is depressing. The prices are not in line with quality whatsoever. What’s especially sad is that my school tote, a Simply Vera made of PU from Kohl’s is holding up better than my black leather Coach handbag.
Artbag
Ask Artbag. They are on Madison at 84th. If you are not in NYC, they have an excellent website and accept deliveries for repair by mail.
wwwDOTartbagDOTcom
AIMS
How much do they charge? I have a gorgeous old bag and the leather still looks like new but there was decorative threading all around the edges that is super frayed. I would love for someone to just replace it all with a more substantial leather thread, but not sure how expensive that would be …
CW
I just called Rebecca Minkoff’s store in NYC, and they directed me to their website where they have an online form (under Policies, bottom right hand side of the homepage) that you can fill out for repair requests. There’s a 2-year warranty on manufacturing defects, but not on normal wear-and-tear. You have to submit a photo of the damage, plus a photo of your receipt. For general wear-and-tear they recommend lovinmybags DOT com
For off price/sample sale purchases, their decision to repair is on a case-by-case basis.
Thanks for the Art Bag recommendation – if RM won’t fix the bag, I’ll definitely look them up!
Anonymous
Please look at the purseforum dot com website and the Rebecca Minkoff subforum before you send your bag in for repairs. Many people have had problems (lost bags, botched repairs) – others have had perfect experiences. Just educate yourself first.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have not had any first hand bad experiences with RM, and I have an old-school MAM that i really, really like. But I wouldn’t buy anything else from the brand due to recent issues with quality/service/etc.
Kanye East
Just popping in to second the purseforum [dot] com recommendation. There’s truly a wealth of information there.
Clothing in Cairo
First of all, I like this top, but I agree that I don’t like the stretch poly/jersey bit.
Here comes the threadjack:
A friend is working in Cairo for the year and needs help putting together a wardrobe. I know her well and can suggest flattering styles, but I haven’t been to the Middle East in 10 years and so I’m out of the loop.
Can any Corporettes tell me what is super trendy/what giant faux pas she should avoid? She’s actually been before and so can handle the modesty requirements, but my goal is to make her look more professional.
I’m specifically interested in fabric advice: I’m thinking lightweight cottons, linens, possibly silks? Let me know if this is off.
TIA!
PS I waited all season/completely forgot about that trendy boyfriend-style watch I was eyeing from ASOS. It is now marked down from $50 to $16. YES! (go go check out their sales, ladies!)
Blonde Lawyer
I can’t help but if you get no responses we can try to exchange emails and I’ll forward to my brother. He just did a semester in the middle east including significant travel in Cairo. Obviously he is not a girl but he is pretty fashion aware and would know what is hot and what is not. He was traveling with a group of American girls too.
and so anon
Threadjack: Banana Republic Mad Man Collection for Women
Can’t remember if I posted a comment, but I wasn’t thrilled by these clothes the other day. I saw them in the store yesterday, and they do look somewhat better IRL. Unfortunately, as usual because of clothing manufacturing economics, the execution is not great, primarily the choice of fabric.
I know a bit about sewing and tailoring and I can see that the people designing these clothes have ideas, but far fewer people would be able to buy the clothes in the fabric that would be their first choice. But there were some printed cardigans and scarves that were very pretty, different, and reasonably priced.
It was fun; I could see which dresses were inspired by Joan’s costumes, although they were less dramatic, and a more ascetic, jumper-like dress that was similar to Peggy’s early costumes.
Equity's Darling
I’m in love with the blue/navy houndstooth dress, but I’m holding off because I think I’d get limited wear out of it- because it’s so distinctive, I could wear it maybe once a month without people thinking ‘why is Equity’s Darling wearing that dress again?’. That was the only thing I really liked though. The tie-neck top did not hold up in person.
Always a NYer
I can’t comment on the clothes from the BR Mad Men collection but I bought the double strand of faux black pearls and love them!!! I got a coupon with my purchase for $25 off a $50 purchase good at the end of the month and plan to buy the faux pink pearls and the grey Betty silk scarf.
Kanye East
A Joan-inspired dress would do nothing on my very un-Joan body. Le sigh.
Selia
I like the print, but wish the top had a more simple neck line. But, I think the print itself would look great with a black suit – just not sure how that neck would work…if you look at the other pictures of the model wearing it, it looks a little “floppy” and stands out.
Boden flop
Bought several dresses from Boden and have returned each one. This is exactly the type of gorgeous dress I would buy if the waist was not empire style. Every one of their dresses has an empire waist, and that is not flattering on me. I have a small, defined waist and I like to accentuate it. For those of you who complain about their dresses, I encourage you to write them with feedback, maybe Boden will make some changes.
Anonymous
They have a survey that pops up most times you shop the site, and are circulating a broader survey via email. It’s definitely a great idea to make your opinions and wishes known– they want to please you and get your money, and you want to love them and buy their dresses. Win-win.
Personally, though, I love their cuts and have to wonder why you buy empire waist styles if you know you don’t like them. It’s pretty clear what styles they favor– often the higher waist is called out in text and almost always accentuated by ribbon, pleats, trim, etc. Not a bait and switch at all. That’s how they roll. They often call it ‘flattering’ and I agree.
Boden flop
I bought six dresses all in one shipment, and returned all. Haven’t bought any since.
AEK
Does anyone have ideas for what I can wear on a date with my husband tonight to a nice/expensive restaurant where the food is fancy but the atmosphere is more trendy-cool than fancy? I would feel overdressed in a cocktail dress but a sundress (of mine) wouldn’t be appropriate for this vibe.
If it were winter, I would probably do jeans, a nice top, and cool heels. So maybe the summer equivalent of this outfit? White pants? FYI my skirts are all wool-blend pencil (work) skirts or casual jersey ones. It’s Chicago BTW.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Supra
I think white pants are really chic. I would wear white pants with a beige shoe and a nice colorful top (almost any color/print will work, but I’m very partial to yellows and oranges with white).
KS
Can’t you still do the jeans, nice top and heels thing? Maybe white jeans if you them? Choose a lightweight knit or silk top and a statement necklace.
KS
if you “have” them
AEK
Thanks for these suggestions… I just have the style blahs lately & was drawing a blank. I like the idea of white pants or jeans with a bright top; normally I’m the queen of black/gray (also why regular jeans aren’t enticing me, KS). I have a green silk top I’ll try with the white.
Shoes TBD.
Anonymous
Funky jewelry or giant earrings. Smokey eye. Basically something nonchalant with something tres ‘chalant’ added on. :)
No Drama Momma
This shirt is hard to look at, for some reason. Maybe the colors are just too harsh?
May
Agreed. But maybe that’s just the way it shows up on the computer screen.
Anonymous
Love this to wear under a suit or cardigan.
Inva
I am hoping to get some help from the petite Corporettes out there. I am trying to help a young friend shop for her first interview suit. She is very petite (petites at Ann Taylor are long on her), so she would likely need some alterations. She would like to get something nice, while spending as little as possible, since she’s a college student without parental support. I originally recommended Macy’s or Dillard’s for inexpensive suit separates. Then I wondered if Nordstrom would be cheaper in the long run due to the free alterations. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! I’m sure this has been discussed before, but my 5’9″ mind probably skimmed right over it.
anon
I think the price differential at Nordstrom’s and the like would override any savings from alterations. Generally speaking you’re better off with the sale racks at Macy’s or Dillard’s, then finding a reasonable tailor. Of if she has some time, see if Century 21, Loehmanns, TJM, Filene’s Basement, etc. have any good options.
Nordstrom has great sales as well, but then the alterations aren’t free.
Mella
For long term, she can follow extrapetite.com. Good on you for helping her!
anonymous
I agree. The discounts you can find at Macy’s and Dillard’s will probably dwarf the alteration costs.
Does she live near any outlets or filine’s? I’ve found some great suits at both.
MelD
I have an ultra petite coworker and I think she usually gets her pants from Express or Limited, but even then she has to get them shortened. Halogen at Nordstrom is at about the same price point and there’s typically one or two basic suiting options each season.
also petite
I’m a recent grad, and I just had great luck finding a couple of suits at an Ann Taylor outlet. I like that theirs are wool blend while a lot of what I saw at Macy’s was all poly.
J
Check out the sales racks at Macy’s. I often see Tahari ASL suits discounted to $100.
rg
If she’s petite and a small size (0 or 00, like me), then the departments stores will probably be a no-go for her. They don’t generally have suiting smaller than 2P.
At a little over 5′, I often find petite jackets still too long for me (I have, what I thought were more typically female proportions, a short torso and longer legs). That said, BR and AT are generally better for me, though I’m usually more successful with suit jackets that aren’t traditionally cut (i.e. not a traditional man-type blazer, more like a Chanel style cut) since they have a less defined waist. I’ve also had success with Rebecca Taylor and Nanette Lepore, though these are probably higher priced than she wants to pay.
In general, if the waist of a blazer sits too low, it’s probably not worth it. You’ll probably pay $100+ for alterations, and usually it still won’t fit that well. When it comes down to it, I think that well-fitting is more important than traditionally conservative. So if you can help guide her to non-traditional styles that would still look interview appropriate that may help her.
The few traditional blazers that have fit me with minimal to no tailoring (i.e. only need to take up the sleeves) are from brands aimed at a younger demographic: BCBGeneration, LOFT, H&M. H&M often has a lot of blazers that will likely fit. Shopping these brands requires a lot of trial and error, and you really have to think critically if the items are appropriate for a workplace. But maybe with your help she can find something there…though generally I wouldn’t want to look at these brands for an interview suit.
FWIW, I paid a lot (for me anyway) for my first interview suit 12 years ago, and I only recently stopped wearing it. So especially if she’s petite and will have trouble finding suits, it can be a good investment. I got a very traditional Tahari (not ASL) suit. It’s a little hit or miss, but I can still find Elie Tahari items that fit me quite well. It may be out of her budget, but I saw a lot of ET on pretty deep sale at Saks a couple of weeks ago.
rg
Also, FYI, I probably have 90% of my clothing tailored. My guess is she won’t be able to avoid alterations so that should be factored into the cost.
KM
Try talbots – my mom is 5′ and can wear their clothing with minimal tailoring. I know their quality has suffered a bit in recent seasons, but they usually have good stuff on sale.
a lawyer
5 feet and around 95 pounds. I find Talbots and Ann Taylor are my best bets for suits. I’ve done Theory and love the one suit from them, but for non-expensive items, if she has time, wait for a 40 percent off at AT or similar at Talbots. She will need 0 petite or even 00 petite (at AT). At their sales, you can often get a full suit for around $150. I still have to have sleeves hemmed and pants hemmed but that usually suffices.
Anon
Threadjack–
I just got an iPhone (yay!). Does anyone have an app recomendation for adding different signatures to emails from different accounts. According to the internet, its not a feature that exists on the phone, but there’s apps that let you do it. I want to find a good one.
anonymous
Threadjack.
Does anyone have experience with Jack Georges bags? They have a leather rolling briefcase I’m coveting but I wonder how it will hold up. It’s the Milano. Also, would you go with standard black or get it in a “pop” color. I figure I’ll stand out by switching over to a rolling bag anyway (curse heredity), so maybe I should go all the way.
Corporette Geek
I’ve been eyeing one of the Milano (Madison Avenue) totes from them and have been in the same debate with myself: I love the look of their red leather, but would that be too distinct for a business bag, even in my business casual office?
I’d love to hear any feedback on this brand too, before pulling the trigger.
Anonymous
I have a red leather briefcase I use for Court and to carry back and forth to work. I get many compliments and it goes with whatever I am wearing. I also find that when I am at a docket call where the attorneys put their briefcases in the corner while we work our magic, it is so much easier to find.
a lawyer
I have a burgundy Milano bag and love it. It is the more muted red than “cherry.”
May
I worked really hard for my exam today, but still made some dumb mistakes on one section which I revised some time ago. Think months ago.
I could kick myself – obviously some problem with recall.
Im 30+now. Could this be age-related degeneration? Maybe I need to improve on the methods by which I go over old material. Start making notes on cards or something, rather than underlining the texts which is what I have always done.
Really hoping to get some advise from you super-successful ladies, on how you manage this.
Thanks in advance.
BTW: Maybe and perhaps are my most-used words, hence the name “May”
seltzer pop
Not sure if this is entirely applicable to your particular situation, but in terms of memorizing large amounts of raw material, I’ve found that Anki (google it) is a very useful software program. I forked out for the iPhone app, and even though it was a bit pricey, I love being able to study on the go.
May
Thanks so much for this – looking into it already.
May
*Advice* not *advise*. Sorry.
How could I have missed that?!
anon
I came to law school after seven years of working and tanked my first semester. Second semester I did phenomenally well. For me, it was the first time in my life I couldn’t just read something and be done with it, have stuck in my head for good. I realized this too late for first semester but fixed it quickly for second.
I find in law I can’t just underline/highlight, I have to put it in my head and then put it back out before I even get to class to be sure I understand and can articulate it in my own words. I do not love doing this because it significantly increases the time it takes to complete reading assignments but I force myself. I quickly realize where I’m confused.
I also find that starting in on my reading for the next semester during the last week of vacation so that I’m at least two weeks ahead in all my classes made a world of difference. If I was stressed out I could skip the reading that night and not be behind or spend more time if a reading was particularly confusing. This only works if you are taking meticulous notes b/c when you get to class you won’t remember the details b/c you read it weeks before.
I don’t know if you are in law school or if any of this will apply to you but that’s what helped me. That and not doing anything at all social 2-3 weeks before exams so I could study. Also was un-fun but I figure I only have to do it about 5 more times in my life and the payoff is worthwhile.
May
Thanks so much for this info – yeah the problem would probably sort out if I put it in my head well in advance and then try to recall again later, like you mentioned. Agreed it would take much more time, and yes I would hate the extra time, but guess that’s what I need to do. Like you I didn’t realize before; this being the first exam Ive taken in a couple of years, and now as a mum.
Thanks for sharing. Hearing you overcame the problem gives me hope that my academic career could potentially proceed as well as it has before.
Much of what you have said is relevant for me since I’m taking medical specialization exams.
Thanks again!
b23
This may be hoping for too much, but does anyone know if there is ever a way to get Louis Vuitton bags on sale (only real ones, of course)? I can’t find that they’re sold anywhere online, so I can’t even get Ebates credit. Any ideas to make the purchase of one even the littlest bit more affordable (besides credit card points)?
Frump
I agree that I don’t think LV bags go on sale. I may have heard that if you sign up for the credit card of the store you’re looking to buy from (ex, Bloomingdale’s) that you might be able to get 15% off your purchase of an LV bag like you would get 15% off any purchase for signing up. But I am not sure. I think any discount you’d receive on an LV bag would be small though and you might as well just save the extra couple of hundred dollars to buy one on your own time.
Chanel, however, is sold now and again on ideeli, and I have seen the occasional Dior bag on Bluefly, so if you are looking for high end bags at a discount, perhaps these designers/websites might be good places to try out.
GovtMom
EBay is an option if you’re willing to go second-hand — but you have to do A LOT of research. Learn about the bags so you’ll be able to spot a fake, make sure there’s a return policy so you can return (and report) if you get a fake, find a reputable seller. EBay has a good bags forum which can help, too.
s
i don’t think LV bags ever go on sale!