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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 138 Comments · by

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Pleated Zip Back Dress

The Personal Shopper (TPS) | · · · ·

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Reader H emailed to suggest this dress, noting “This link shows it in the ‘Hot Orange' color, which is very on-trend right now. It is made out of jersey and could be worn for a night or day event, but it's definitely appropriate for work. I'm planning on wearing it (in black, with a jacket) to an event at the White House this week and to a rehearsal dinner next month! I've got some major hips and have trouble wearing traditional sheath dresses, but this one is so flattering. I'm usually a size 14, and I bought an extra-large.” It's a really cute dress, and I can see it easily being a great summer basic. While I'm not sure I would wear a $25 dress to a White House event, a simple dress can be dressed up in so many ways that I can easily see it working — add some quality jewelry and a black blazer and you've got a winning high-low mixture. The dress is available in black, teal, orange, and grey for $24.99 at Target. Mossimo® Women's Pleated Zip Back Dress – Hot Orange 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 10.10.24

  • Nordstrom – Extra 25% off clearance (through 10/14); there's a lot from reader favorites like Boss, FARM Rio, Marc Fisher LTD, AGL, and more. Plus: free 2-day shipping, and cardmembers earn 6x points per dollar (3X the points on beauty).
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale (ends 10/12)
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything plus extra 25% off your $125+ purchase
  • Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
  • Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
  • J.Crew – 40% off sitewide
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site, plus extra 25% off orders $150+
  • Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Neiman Marcus – Sale on sale, up to 85% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 50% off 2+ markdowns
  • Target – Circle week, deals on 1000s of items
  • White House Black Market – Buy one, get one – 50% off full price styles

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. windupbird

    @kat is there a panel beneath the open flap to avoid wardrobe malfunctions?

    • naijamodel

      Nope. I just bought this dress in teal/green. I’m going to get the flap sewn closed. It is very pretty on and the fabric is not flimsy.

  2. lindsay

    It doesn’t matter what price it is, as long as the reader can style it properly. $25 can look like a million bucks if done right.

    • Anonymous

      I agree with this generally, and I definitely agree with this about a White House or other DC event. A lot of DC events are full of public servants who are not paid a lot of money. The key there is for the clothes to look appropriate and stylish — not expensive.

    • BB

      I agree. When I got married, my sister wore a dress from Target, and my step-sister wore one from Forever 21. They both looked appropriate and fabulous.

    • Rural Juror

      Agree! Does Michelle Obama wearing an H&M dress ring a bell to anyone?

  3. JR

    I think I’ve seen these in the store. If I’m thinking of the right one, it has a prominent black exposed zipper in the back–fyi.

  4. alterations question

    Sorry for the early threadjack: has anyone ever had bra straps taken up? I found a bra that fits perfectly as is, but the straps are already as tight as they will go. My concern is that they will stretch with wear to the point that they fall down/get too loose. I’m hoping I could just take it to a tailor and have them make the straps a little shorter so that I have more freedom to loosen/tighten the straps as needed.

    • SF Bay Associate

      Interesting question. Shorter straps are one of the reasons I wear petite bras from Calvin Klein and Wacoal.

      • meara

        I didn’t know petite bras existed!! …this may change my entire bra-buying habits. The straps are always way long for me!

    • Duckie

      You could actually get one of those little clips that joins the straps together in the back, like a racerback, so they can’t slide.

    • Anon

      I’ve had straps shortened, they remove some of the strap at the bottom where it meets the bra and then re-sew it shorter. It worked fine for me!

    • alterations question

      This makes me happy :) DONE…. tags are coming off and these will be official new additions to the drawer. Thanks!

      • jcb

        The lingerie store down the block from me does bra tailoring and repairs – another option to check into if you need some work done down the road. (as an aside, was really happy to find out that they can repair the annoying underwire-popping-out-and-stabbing-you problem that has led me to toss so many bras over the years)

  5. SF Bay Associate

    I agree with Kat – I cannot imagine being so lucky as to attend a White House event and wearing a $25 Target dress, let alone one with a shoulder-t0-bum exposed gold-tone zipper. Some of my clothes are Target, and they can be great for work, but the White House?? Inappropriate. I would not wear a cheap polyester dress to the top of any of our branches of government, and wouldn’t wear a dress with an exposed zipper ever. Sorry, H.

    • Em

      The zipper would be covered by the jacket though, and you wouldn’t be taking your jacket off at a White House event. So that part I don’t think is a concern.

    • DCGal

      I think your comment is a little harsh. As an MA student in DC, I often get invited to formal government events through internships, alumni, etc. and it can be hard to find something to wear. Not everyone has a lot of money to spend on expensive dresses whenever they want – some of us have very little left over after paying tuition, rent etc. I wish Reader H the best of luck in making this dress look amazing!

      • Beth

        Amen. As much as I appreciate the “bargain” fashions every Friday, there are many professional women out there who cannot afford to lay down $300 for a work dress.

        • curious

          You know, it’s funny, but anyone can look good anywhere wearing a black sir and a white blouse. So why all the fuss about cheap slinky tangerine dresses?

        • GingerR

          Many White House events are cattle calls.

          Put a good belt with it, a jacket, and you’re good to go. Nobody is going to notice you because they’re all busy looking for the President and trying to steal the silverware.

          If you have a small event there you can bring out the fancy stuff.

      • Kanye East

        Agreed; I wouldn’t object to the dress on its pricetag alone. The only unforgivable sin would be wearing it with those shoeties the model is sporting. I just don’t get open-toe boots.

    • BKDC

      I agree. The dress looks very comfy, and, if I could bring myself to enter the cluster**** that is my local Target, I might check it out. I like the jersey material, but I would never wear it to a White House event. I don’t know if that’s worse than wearing flip flops, but I wouldn’t dare. What would Michelle think?

      • Argie

        I think she’d admire the wearer’s savvy shopping skills, frugal approach, and knowing how to suit her body. My sense of the First Lady’s fashion for this administration has been to wear things that the average American woman could she herself wearing, from the stores that the average American woman has access to.

        • b23

          Agreed. It’s pretty surprising to me that people still worry about the cost so much. It’s a great dress. Personally, I might take the opportunity to buy something special (meaning, expensive) but that’s just because I would like to always have a dress that is my “White House dress.” And because I can afford it. But I certainly wouldn’t judge someone else for wearing something less expensive.

        • BKDC

          For me, it’s not the price of the dress but the fact that it’s made of jersey material. For a blog that attacks women for having unintentional VPL, I’m amazed that people think that this dress, with the exposed zipper down the back, is appropriate for a White House event. Classy doesn’t necessarily mean sexy, but this dress, while nice for a picnic or a night at the bar, does not seem appropriate for an evening at the White House.

          • JDS

            Totally agree. It’s not the cost that’s the issue, it is the lack of structure/jersey material/exposed zipper that make less than ideal for the White House. Based on the err-on-the-side-of-caution attitude by most on the side, I’m surprised so many think this choice is right on.

      • Duckie

        Michelle would think it’s a cute dress. That is, if she thought about it at all, which is unlikely considering that the First Lady probably has more important things on her mind than what some random person is wearing to a c—tail party.

        • Emma

          Here here.

          And again, setting some arbitrary cost floor for attending the White House is simply ridiculous. Cost alone shouldn’t matter, the actual clothing should. And is there a rule against wearing jersey? Would commenters object to a DVF jersey dress?

        • Mir

          Michelle sported H&M when her husband was on the campaign trail! I specifically remember a color block sheath dress — she swapped out the belt for one of her own higher-end pieces, and looked great. I’m sure it wasn’t much over $25 either.

          Cute dress, reader H. Accessorize and have fun at your White House event; you’ll look incredible!

    • Frugal

      While still in undergrad I was invited to a fancy New Years’ Eve ball at a very prominent country club where my boyfriend’s parents were members. I purchased a black and white tuxedo style strapless corsett top gown from SEARS for $35! I wore it with pearls, his mom’s diamond earings, and nice shoes I already owned.

      I honest to God had women in $3000 dresses coming up to me saying “oh my goodness, who are you wearing??? that is just an amazing dress. One lady asked, is that an (insert designer name here)? At the time I had never even heard of that designer. I think I said I was wearing something purchased from my home state but didn’t say where, implying it was an independent store.

      My boyfriend is now my husband and his family no longer is part of that club. It wasn’t really their scene. They to this day laugh about how all the women loved my dress and had no idea it was $35 from Sears!

      • Shannon

        I actually had a similar experience when I wore a $20 Forever 21 dress to my first company holiday party two years ago. It was a knee length black sheath dress and the material didn’t look cheap in any way. I had people complimenting me all night. I actually wore the same dress yesterday with a pearl necklace to an important meeting and my boss told me I looked like a million bucks. I’m amazed that the dress has held up so well after two years, but it has. Cheap doesn’t necessarily have to LOOK cheap.

      • Anonymous

        Awesome story. I completely agree that there’s are tons of reasonably-priced dresses out there that are flattering and polished, and tons of expensive dresses that frankly don’t justify the price.

    • Duckie

      Considering the First Lady wears dresses from H&M, I think you sound like a snob.

      I’m sure H will look great, and a jacket will make the dress completely appropriate.

      • BKDC

        No where in my comment did I say that wearing a dress from Target would be inappropriate. Your “snob” comment is way off-base. I don’t care if the dress is from Nordstrom, I don’t think jersey is an appropriate material to wear to the White House.

        • MelD

          I have some jersey dresses that were much more than $25. I don’t think jersey implies that something is flimsy and shows VPL. As with anything, you really have to try it on and see how heavy the material is. Some jersey is absolutely fine for more formal events.

          • Argie

            This – jersey can be dressy. I believe a previous commenter who has seen the dress in person even noted that the fabric is not flimsy.

        • Bunkster

          I have a lovely draped black Calvin Klein dress. I would definitely wear it to the White House, if I were invited.

      • Anonymous

        Not to mention the newest Royal’s taste for fashion certainly includes H&M fashions. And didn’t Sharon Stone make fashion history wearing a Gap t-shirt to an awards ceremony back in the day. I say go for it!

    • kz

      I think this assumes the reader is going to some fancy evening event at the White House. There are a lot of events at the White House with varying degrees of formality. While I’m not a fan of the exposed zipper (that trend needs to die, and fast, because otherwise I would totally buy this dress), I don’t think it’s necessarily inappropriate depending on the event and time of day (and who’s going to be at the event).

  6. anon

    I love the orange color, but not the black zipper in the back. I’d get this in the black color, though, very cute. And really, it’s pretty difficult for an observer to tell the difference between a $300 black sleeveless jersey dress and a $25 black sleeveless jersey dress, I think it would be fine for any occasion, if it fits well, and with the right accessories and shoes. The $25 dress probably won’t hold up (I bet the fabric will pill over time), but it’s going to look fine when it’s new. Wear it to the White House if you like it. We’re in a recession anyway, is it really appropriate to wear extravagent clothes to government functions? Haven’t any of you heard of the Pauper’s Princess, loved by the people of Britain for her austerity?

  7. Flo

    I bought this dress in black and orange (which is really more coral than it looks in the picture) and managed to wear the two to about 6 different events of varying levels of formality on a single graduation weekend. I absolutely loved that they were basic enough to be paired with statement items like great scarves and shoes. However, I am 5′ 8″ and I will say that the dress bordered on showing more leg than I was comfortable with. Also, that flap. I had to be aware of holding it together in a breeze.

    • Jenn

      I have this dress in the orange and I’m absolutely going back to buy it in another color (or colors!). I wore it yesterday and got tons of compliments. I will say I can’t see wearing it without a belt or a jacket or a statement necklace, though.

    • Ellen

      Yes, it is DISGUSTING. We are always getting objectivized, and now we can’t walk up the stairs b/c men look up our skirts? I think the men ought to walk around in kilts and not wear underwear so we can examine their packages. Fooey on them!

      • Ellen Devotee

        Ellen, do you have your own blog yet? I think you give Jean Teasdale’s old column at The Onion a run for its money.

      • Accountress

        Kilts should not be worn as a punishment to men who may or may not have been checking out one’s underwear. Kilts should be worn as respect for the great heritage of the Scottish people, and for the way their ingenuity has modernized our world.

        Besides, that’s pounds of unlined heavy wool. I wouldn’t wish that kind of chafing on my worst enemy…

  9. Anon

    This is off topic, but its my PSA for the day —

    I recently discovered the Sally Hansen Insta Dry nail polish (I think Revlon just came out with one too) and it works wonders. It doesnt last real long (3-5 days is all I’ve gotten so far and its much better if you use the clear as a top coat) but it actually goes on and dries in minutes. you only need one coat and because it dries so fast, you can do it before bed, a shower, at your desk, whatever. I hate having messy nails, particularly before court, a client meeting, a dep etc, but with 2 small kids and 2 parents with biglaw jobs, i dont have the time for a mani every week. this is great.!

    • naijamodel

      It will last longer if you use a good top coat. Sally Hansen MegaShine is great :)

      • Anon

        yes, but that makes it not dry as fast. This stuff literally dries in minutes. The clear as a top coat does help though. If I used a regular top coat before bed, for example, I’d have marks from my sheets in the morning.

    • Lana Lang

      I have three shades of this, it does dry in minutes which is amazing, but usually if I do my nails in the evening, it has chipped by the time I get into work in the morning.

      I also like the OPI Quick Dry drops and now can’t actually cope with doing my nails the ‘regular’ way!

      • Nonny

        OPI Quick Dry is a lifesafer for someone like me who is *always* messing up manis and pedis. I couldn’t give myself a pedi without it.

    • Ru

      I have the Revlon Top Speed in about 8 colors (there’s always a revlon bogo promotion at cvs). LOVE IT. I dont even go to get manicures anymore bc it’s faster to do it myself with this nail polish, even with multiple coats.

  10. anon

    If it didn’t have the black zipper, I would get it it in the orange color. It actually bums me out, because I’ve been looking for some fun, bright, not too expensive dresses for summer and this is otherwise the perfect dress!

    The black dress doesn’t have the way-too-obvious zipper issue, and is cute, but I have way too many black dresses already. Oh well…

    Has anyone tried this dress on? http://www.target.com/Merona-Sleeveless-Scoop-Neck-Dress/dp/B004GUNLCO/ref=sc_pd_gwvub_2_title

    • JJ

      I tried that dress on. It’s cute, but the material is pretty thin and it’s very blousy/shapeless. It would be great for hot summer days outside, but I couldn’t make it appropriate for my biz casual office (and I have plenty of casual dresses like this), so I didn’t buy it.

      TL; DR version: good for weekend, I couldn’t make it work for office.

      • Lynnet

        I’ve tried it on and I agree with JJ. I didn’t end up getting it, partially because I’m still trying to figure out how thin of jersey I’m willing to wear in public without shapewear.

    • A. L.

      Yes, I have this dress in two colors. It’s fun for lounging around the house on a hot summer day, or for a night in with your SO, but I don’t really feel comfortable wearing it out for very long (as in, for more than car to door) and I definitely wouldn’t wear it to work. It’s very thin and the bottom is unlined, so it’s pretty difficult to avoid VPL and even bra band lines (it’s lined there, but I still had them–maybe it’s just me, but it was a little snug in the back with lots of extra room in front). Also, because I can’t fill out the top completely, it probablys gape inappropriately when I lean over. Even if I could fill it out, IMO the scoop is way too low for work.

      Like I said though, I have it in two colors, so I obviously like it, and I haven’t worn the black yet, so that may be better at hiding undergarment lines. If you’re looking for a casual weekend dress, it’s great for that! Just be aware you may need to wear your best VPL-avoiding bottoms and a seamless bra.

    • Bonnie

      I bought it as a coverup/casual dress for a beach vacation. It was much too casual for work and the jersey is pretty thin so it definitely shows VPL unless you wear a thong. It’s great for throwing on over a swimsuit though to have a drink at the bar.

  11. Anon

    Agree this is not appropriate for White House or other formal locations. Nothing to do with store/price. Everything to do with casual jersey fabric. T-shirt fabric = picnic or casual office. I’d never wear anything jersey to my corporate office or even when I worked in government. It’s not about cost- you can go to the outlet mall and get something lined from the Ann Taylor outlet or such. I’ve seen sheaths etc. for $35.

    I know it’s hot in DC.. was there for meetings last week… but I have a few woven cotton suits for the hot days that are still totally appropriate.

    • Noner

      As noted above, jersey doesn’t automatically mean casual. You can get very nice jersey fabric in heavier (than t-shirt) weights that can look very polished. And for those of us that don’t work well in structured sheaths because our curves hit in weird places, those knit fabric that drape are often our go to look.

      • rach

        i have this dress and can attest that it is heavy, “work” jersey, not the kind of thing used on a beach coverup

    • cynthia Kouril

      It’s not the tee shirt kind of jersey. It’s a synthetic fake of a silk jersy. It does not look informal or weekendish, except for the exposed zipper.

  12. Kady

    Petite PSA

    The Boden fall line is introducing petite sizing. They are having a 20% off fall preview orders + free shipping at their site now. Very exciting!

  13. Ashley

    Random, but:

    I just wanted to rave about my migraine medicine. There have been several threads on this topic, so I wanted to highly, HIGHLY recommend Esgic Plus and its generics. I get the numbness, aura, disorientation, aphasia, and stabbing pain in my temples, and the Esgic Plus can tackle it within an afternoon (as opposed to 2-3 days). I managed to take it within about an hour of the on-set, so the effects took a little longer to kick in. But, if taken within less than 30 minutes of on-set, it usually kicks in pretty quickly. Make sure to take it on a full stomach, but other than that, I recommend looking into a prescription for it if you have migraine issues!

    • BarStudying 3L

      Wanted to pipe up and mention Relpax, which is less popular in the US but available and MAGIC. I started using it when I studied in the UK about 5 years ago…it literally gives me relief in 15 minutes and lasts for 12 hours. I used to be down for the count for 2-3 days as well.

    • Bette

      the zipper goes really far down the back of the dress. i think only a long-ish jacket or cardigan would work.

      • PollyD

        I think in the darker colors, the zipper isn’t so jarring. I guess if your office is casual enough to wear a dress like this, I don’t see the zipper as making it a no-go. I ordered it in the moss/dark green color, it was cute but for some reason made me look like I was wearing a toga. Maybe my shoulders are too narrow for it or something.

        • Nonny

          I agree the zipper doesn’t necessarily have to a a deal-breaker. I’d be more interested in seeing how substantial the jersey is. I’ll be checking this out in Target next time I’m in the States.

    • kellyn

      Get a strip of grograin ribbon in a matching or other color (maybe you like contrast but dislike zipper, idk), and have the ribbon sewn over the zipper, hiding it. Very simple fix.

    • mamabear

      Ooh, I love that look – a long rectangular scarf worn with the knot at the nape of the neck. Very french. It wouldn’t necessarily cover the zipper as you moved but it would be a distraction from it. Love it.

  15. stc

    Saw this dress at Target the other day and thought it was cute until I saw that the front really is just two overlapping leaves. That said, I thought it would be cute weekend dress, but I could not imagine wearing it work b/c it’s t-shirt material…and I work in casual central washington (wearing black tropical wool pants & a shirt from walmart today).

  17. mia

    Asos 10% off anything not on sale code: ASOSUPDATE11 . I buy nothing there not on sale so this is useless to me. :) Code only good today.

  18. Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler

    I have this dress and while I love it, I have to disagree. This is not appropriate for work . The first things out of my mouth in the dressing room at Target was “I feel sexy,” and I would never wear something to work that made me feel that way. The material is very clingy and emphasizes every curve (and lump and bump if you don’t have Spanx on).

    After being such a Debbie Downer, I do have to say that I love this dress (aside from the flap issues). It’s so easy to throw on with a belt and some wedges. I’m definitely going back to get it in Rose and Black.

  19. ks

    Help needed from the Coprorette brain trust.

    I was asked this morning to write a LinkedIn recommendation for a friend/colleague who is out of work. I’ve known her for a very long time (like 20 years – swapped kids growing up stories, xmas cards, social parties, etc.). We only worked closely about 10-12 years ago and since that time I moved on (now successfully consulting in our field) and she also has had a few different positions/responsibilities, but we’ve stayed in touch electronically and occasionally run across each other at conferences and such. She made a number of enemies in our professional field through her micromanaging management style and while I still like her as a person, I cannot and do not endorse her professional capabilities any longer (and if I did, would damage my own professional reputation).

    I really don’t want to be a chicken and just ignore the ask, but it seems pretty cold to just say – “hey I still like you as a person but I don’t like the way you do your work,” especially when she’s out of work to begin with. Given her personality, I feel there is little chance I can be blunt with her without dealing a mortal blow to what was a long standing relationship.

    Any suggestions to dealing with this awkward situation?

    • Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler

      I was in a similar position and I just told my friend that I don’t do recommendations on LinkedIn and left it at that.

    • E

      Have you written other LinkedIn recommendations for others? If not, is there any possibility your employer or one of your clients could “prohibit” or “discourage” this type of activity?

      • ks

        I have written a couple of recommendations when asked. Since I work for myself, I can’t really claim any prohibition.

    • Cat

      If others in the field would be “in” on it and know why you are writing a rec, can you describe her style truthfully but in an objective manner? “Very hands-on, detail-oriented, attentive supervisor”?

    • Jas

      Maybe say that you think your relationship to her is more personal than professional, and you’re not comfortable giving professional recommendations for friends?

    • Lydia

      Could you say you aren’t comfortable writing a recommendation for someone with whom you worked so long ago?

    • CA lawyer

      Perhaps you could decline based on the amount of time has passed since you worked together closely.

    • VJ

      The others here are on the right track, but I would just tell her like it is–i.e. that any recommendation you might write would have to include the fact that she is a micromanager, and this type of activity has gotten her into trouble in the past, but that if the employer is looking for someone who wants to stick their nose where it often doesn’t belong, she’s the one for the job. If after telling her this she still wants the recommendation, go ahead and write it. She probably needs any recommendation at this point so would be happy even if yours weren’t all peaches and cream. Talk to her and tell her like it is. You will sleep better @ night.

    • Eponine

      I’d tell her that you can only write the recommendation based on her job performance 12 years ago, since you haven’t worked with her since then, and therefore aren’t comfortable writing her the recommendation now.

      • ks

        Wish you’d weighed in a little earlier – I like the slight twist you’ve offered Eponine. My response to her was “While I wish you well, I’m not comfortable writing a LinkedIn recommendation because of the length of time that has passed since we regularly worked together.”

        Not that I expect one, but I’ve received no response from her.

        Thanks to all who offered their thoughts.

  21. Bunkster

    Arrgh! I just got an email from Nordstrom saying that the item I ordered – the Adrianna Papell blue linen dress – is unavailable so they are cancelling my order. I just bought it yesterday.

    • Bonnie

      That’s rough. I had a Nordstrom’s order come in yesterday where one shirt had a big hole and instead of the Theory shirt I ordered, they sent a gray t-shirt.

  22. kellyn

    I have been thinking about this dress in court all morning… then I come up here to check Corporette, and here it is! You are reading my mind!

    I may scoop it up in the gray for casual-er work days (cardigan or summer weight blazer) and the teal for a casual cocktail party I have coming up.

  23. BKESQ

    I bought this dress in teal last weekend and wore it to a free charity polo event. The jersey material is decent; the flap is something to think about if you’re going to be seated (or outside in the wind); and the zipper definitely makes the outfit more casual and sexy.

    In all – I’m happy with the dress and I’m sure I’ll get several wears out of it this summer. However, it probably wouldn’t be my first pick for a White House event…well, at least not in teal or orange.

  25. A. L.

    Has anyone who takes Allegra-D found a cheaper alternative now that it’s OTC? After some Googling, I see that it’s been OTC for a few months but my insurance just stopped covering it as a prescription (specifically, I was getting the generic) this month. I bought a small box at CVS to tide me over, and it was $15 for 10 tabs (5 days worth). That’s more than my generic prescripton cost for 60 tabs (30 day supply). CVS was out of larger quantities, so I don’t know what they cost, but I can only imagine what a 30 day supply costs if 5 days is $15.

    Has anyone been able to find a generic somewhere cheaper? I’d also like to find it in a 90 or 180 supply, if possible, because I think that tends to be cheaper, and to minimize the annoyance of that “No, I’m not running a meth lab” registration every time you buy something with pseudoephedrine.

    • jcb

      I’ve been taking the walgreens version of Zyrtec-D, don’t know the cost exactly but definitely less than $60+/month. But, you do have to promise that you aren’t running a meth lab every time you buy it. Always makes me feel like a criminal.

      • A. L.

        Thanks, I’ll look at Walgreens. I wonder if CVS might even have their own, but they were either out when I was there or they didn’t offer it because they were ready to close.

    • BB

      Some states (or maybe it’s a federal thing?) have limits to how much pseudoephedrine you can buy in a day. This might prevent you from being able to buy a large supply.

      • A. L.

        I just thought of that after I posted. I think I’m in (or at least near) meth-producing territory where those limits would likely apply, so there’s a good chance I may have to stick with a one month supply. Not a huge deal because that’s what I had to do with the prescription, but at least when it was a prescription they (presumably) already had my info to enter into the meth database. In the past when I’ve bought Sudafed, the database always seems to be offline and they have to enter everything off my DL manually because swiping it doesn’t work. It’s not necessarily the invasion of privacy (I’m sure they know all about my congestion issues from prescription records), but more that standing there for 5 minutes while they scrutinize my DL isn’t how I like to spend my free time :)

      • Bunkster

        I wouldn’t have guess MA was a heavy meth-producing area, but we have that law here.

        I take loratidine (the generic for Claritin). I buy it at BJ’s. Have you tried them or Costco or other such place?

        • A. L.

          I don’t think we have BJ’s down here, but I checked with Sam’s. Apparently the law here is that they can only sell 20 tablets in one day, which is pretty annoying because I’d have to go for a refill every 10 days. They did say I can get a prescription to authorize more though–it won’t change insurance coverage, but I can at least get more than 20 at a time. I already have a prescription, so I guess I just need to move it to Sam’s where they’ll do this (CVS didn’t offer this solution).

          Thanks to all for the input!

          • Digby

            Not to be a complete benefits geek – oh, wait, I am one: if you have a prescription for the OTC version, and you have a healthcare FSA, you can submit it through your FSA to save a little money.

          • A. L.

            I don’t start work until September, so I’m not sure how our plan works, but I will definitely look into that once I’m enrolled (I’m currently riding out COBRA after getting kicked off the parents’ plan for age). Thanks for the info–I knew you generally could no longer use FSA money on OTCs, but didn’t know there was an exception for ones with a prescription until you gave me a reason to look :)

          • MelD

            Costco is the cheapest I’ve found for any medications, usually cheap enough that it makes the membership well worth it. The Costco version if zyrtec is something like $16 for a year’s supply, and the Allegra non-D version is only $35 for 90 pills, which is not bad.

  26. Sharon

    I actually bought this dress two weeks ago and thought that the black zipper works because i paired the dress with a wide black belt and a heavy necklace on the front. It looked great and was perfect for a hot picnic. Only downside is that the wind sometimes tried to blow the front panel open! otherwise, i am in love with this dress

  27. Devon

    I tried this dress on at Target and almost bought it. However what you can’t tell from the picture online is that the jersey it’s made of is extremely thin. Not hot weather thin. Like you can see your cellulite-thin. It’s unfortunate because the cut and color are great, but the fabric choice (in my opinion) makes it totally inappropriate for work. Just an FYI

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