Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Seamed Pencil Skirt
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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
So: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale continues (prices go back up to normal prices on 8/6 — all of my picks from the sale are here and here). Included in the sale is the Halogen Seamed Pencil Skirt, a Nordstrom classic that readers have been so fond of that it's known primarily as “The Skirt” around here. A few weeks ago, readers started commenting that The Skirt had been redesigned — some thought for the better, but many were upset at the change. So I brushed off my journalist hat and decided to investigate, contacting Nordstrom on Twitter. “We refresh designs from time to time,” someone named “Sam” responded by direct message. “The seams changed but the fit should be the same. Let us know how you like it!” So, readers, go to town — how do you like the redesigned skirt? (I'll forward them this post on Monday.) As part of the Anniversary Sale, all eleven colors are marked to $45.90, down from $69. Halogen Seamed Pencil SkirtSales of note for 9/5/25
- Nordstrom – Summer sale has started, up to 60% off top brands
- Ann Taylor – Friends of Ann Event: 30% off your entire purchase, including new arrivals
- Anthropologie – 30% off clothing and accessories
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- J.Crew – Everyday styles from $34.50 — see our full roundup of what to buy for work at J.Crew
- J.Crew Factory – 50% off fall faves + extra 60% off clearance
- L.K. Bennett – 20% off all new-season
- Nordstrom Rack – Season Closeout: extra 40% off select clearance dresses, sandals, shorts, and swimwear(ends 9/11)
- Rothy's – Up to 50% off last-chance sales
- Soma – 5 panties for $39 + 35% off 3+ styles + buy 2 get 3 free panties — readers love these PJs and these no-VPL panties
- Talbots – 25-40% off select fall styles + extra 30% all markdowns — here are all the reader favorites at Talbots
- White House Black Market – 50% off all sale styles (ends 9/5)
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- how do I feel less overstimulated at work?
- how can I look more put-together/expensive?
- what's the best out-of-office message to show I'm not working?
- what are some comfortable fashion sneakers?
- what brands have minimalist clothes for a more casual office?
- how to store lots of accessories
- what are good products for sparse brows?
- what do you recommend for gifts for a friend who's eloping?
- what should I pick for our company-branded conference swag?
- what non-sneaker shoes can you walk a mile in?
- I'm 31 and feel like my life is too stagnant…
- which emojis fill you with rage?
- how can I make house guests more comfortable?
- my friend is at her wit's end with her SAHP
- when is it time to quit therapy?
- why is it so hard to stay on top of school communications for my teen?
What is sizing like on The Skirt? [compared to say JCrew/Banana/AT?]
The vertical seaming visually elongates the leg-line. However, I like a pencil skirt with a waistband. I accentuates my hourglass shape, while helping to camouflage a big lunch!
My NAS shipment part 1 just arrived with 2 of the new skirt. I never owned the old skirt, so I can’t compare it. It looks and feels mostly just like any other pencil skirt. Nothing “amazing” although the quality is a bit better than the Limited or Express skirts I own, but not as good as some of my nicer lined skirts.
I wish it were a bit longer and nipped in more mid-thigh to knee. I’m 5’7, apple-y figure fwiw.
Does anyone know where I can get patterns for some of the items mentioned on here such as The Skirt? I live in China so actually buying ready-made isn’t an option for my gargantuan height (5’6″) and size (12-14).
My wardrobe tends towards jeans and t-shirts with a few items that just barely manage to squeeze into the business casual category. Now my translation agency has got a very fashionable client whose office I am likely to be visiting on a regular basis and as I can’t wear the same two or three outfits every single time I go, I’m going to need to add some more non-denim items to my repertoire.
-M
I went to Nordstrom, tried on a whole bunch of stuff, stocked up on Hanky Panky, and came home and removed all of the items from my online shopping cart.
The fits this season are totally off on me. I tried this Skirt, perhaps a bit hopefully because the previous Skirt that was hailed here as the holy grail looked a hot mess on me. The new Skirt fit slightly better than the old Skirt but was still unflattering.
Taylor pants, also hailed as a holy grail for big booty girls: No.
A range of cardigans: WTF with all the pilling fabric and bagginess in the back? No.
More skirts: No.
A few dresses: No.
Sigh. I hope this isn’t a sign for the season to come. I’ve gained some weight and worn out my favorite clothes, so I really need to update my work wardrobe.