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 8/10:
- Ann Mashburn – Seasonal sale, up to 50% off – we just included them in our updated Top 10 Brands for Comfortable Heels!
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase, $99 dresses, and extra 60% off clearance — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it's a great separate)
- Anthropologie – Extra 40% off sale!
- Bare Minerals – Free shipping over $50! Love their Love thir OG Mineral Veil setting powder
- The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns (new lines added)
- J.Crew – Up to 30% off
- J.Crew Factory – 50% off sitewide
- J.McLaughlin – Summer sale, up to 50% off
- Lilysilk – Anniversary sale, save up to 70%
- Madewell – Up to 30% off
- Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added, exclusively online)
- M.M.LaFleur – End of season sale! (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Nordstrom Rack – Clearance, new markdowns up to 75% off! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
- Saks Fifth Avenue – Up to $500 off your purchase! Great selection of Veronica Beard, L'Agence, Vince, and more.
- Talbots – Semi-annual red door sale, 50-60% off all markdowns, and free shipping on 150+.
- Theory – End of season sale is on! Love all the colors their best-selling sweater tee comes in, and some colors are on sale.
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:

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.