ByKat Hours Updated
Comments 108 Comments

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap Top

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. The Limited's Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap TopI don't say this often, but: there are a ton of cute tops on sale at The Limited right now. Essential shirtsicon, their work-appropriate basics, are 30% off, including this lovely wrap top in stretch cotton. I like it for work with a shrunken blazer or a fitted cardigan, and call me crazy but I love the deep, saturated colors (“ballgown blue” is pictured, it also comes in “deep orchid”). It was $46.90, but is now on sale for $32.83 (sizes XS-XL). Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap Top icon 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 12.5

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

108 Comments

      1. Same here. I love the Ltd for tops like this. Sometimes a little trendy detail, decent quality and construction, NOT AT or Banana prices.

        That said, my Ltd store closed a year or two back and they are finally re-opening in a different location. I find that I need to try on a lot of what I buy from the Ltd.

    3. I like it, too.

      Now, go buy it, ladies. Back when I just got out of college, I received a small amount of money that I invested. At that time, I wore a lot of Limited clothes so I bought some Limited stock. Limited also owned A&F and Victoria’s Secret.

      So, go buy it and maybe I’ll see a ROI.

      1. I purchased a gray, suit material, lined, kick-pleat skirt at the Limited for $50 sometime around 1987. I wore it every week at my first job, I wore it to clerkships during law school, and I wore it when I became an Assistant Public Defender in 1997. I only gave it away after I had my baby in 2000 and did not go back to my pre-pregnancy weight. It was the best quality item that I have ever purchased and I have not seen a more well-made skirt in ANY store since. I have suits now that don’t last more than a year. Why?!

      2. LOL, I did the same, but with AT. It’s been about 20 years, and I’ve seen little returns on my investment. Stupid stock market.

    4. I have a couple of shirts in this color from the Limited, and they’ve held up amazingly well- no fading whatsoever.

  2. Does anyone know where to buy cute sun protective clothing? Not hiking/outdoor items from Campor, Columbia, REI etc. I’m thinking cute tops and dresses.

    I know about Mott 50, but their selection is small and their prices seem high.

    Thanks in advance.

    2. I’ve been getting a catelog in the mail called “Title IX.” Never ordered from them but seems to be similar to Athleta.

      1. I’m a huge fan of Title 9 and highly recommend their stuff. You might also check out Patagonia.com.

      2. Title IX has a great skirt on their website, which says, “Sadly, this item is no longer available.”

        But good recommendation. Thanks.

    4. I don’t understand the need for SPF clothing. Doesn’t all opaque fabric protect against sun? I’m extremely fair and always wear long sleeves and a hat in the sun, but I never understood why you need anything more than that.

      1. No, alas. I’m very fair too, and can still get sunburned through opaque clothes if I’m out long enough.

      2. I always wear SPF 40-50 and a hat. Last year, my dermatologist (who has taken about 10 atypical thingies off me and a melanoma off my dad) yelled at me about the amoutn of sun my chest had gotten. I had been wearing regular Tshirts/tops/shirts/dresses that cover the area. Apparently that is not enough.

        Now, when I run I wear a rashguard with a mock turtleneck (not attractive, but I think about the milky white skin I can show off after dark to make it less upsetting) and I have a UPF hat or two (instead of the thin cotton ones I had been wearing). And I’m on the make for weekend, walk-around-town cute clothes that also hve UPF.

        The UPF ratings were devised by the government in Australia. Here’s some info:

        http://www.arpansa.gov.au/services/upf/index.cfm

        1. I’m also this pale, and I swim in a rash vest as I’ve burnt through both SPF 50 and wearing a regular t-shirt (which I used to do as a kid.) And I have quite a lot of summer clothes in long-sleeved cotton. Some of us simply have the natural skin colour “ghost”.

          But a quick public service announcement – do wear sunscreen. I slathered it on for a recent picnic, and brought a bottle with me, only to have my friends tell me that it wasn’t so hot and they wouldn’t burn. Famous last words…it might only have been moderately warm, but by the end of the afternoon – I was having a picnic with three tomatoes/lobsters (insert your orange-red foodstuff of choice). Not nice at all.

        1. Great line of UPF clothing. I had no idea. Thanks. No longer in NYC, and it looks like they don’t sell virtually? I will call and ask them.

          Do their clothes run true to size (whatever that means for women!). What’s the quality like?

  3. Ladies, help me evaluate an offer. I received the offer letter today and am disappointed. My current practice is at a boutique firm in a large Midwestern city (City A). I am a fourth year, my salary is 140K. I have never gotten a raise, and my goal is 1850. Hubby and I hate City A, have a small child and own a house (which has gone down in value since we purchased). We really want to get out of here.

    Offer is from a very large law firm in midwestern City B, a city where we have family and friends (we have neither of those in City A). Offer is 160K, goal of 2000 hours. Based on the interview, the work is interesting, but the environment is not really better than what I have now.

    Thoughts? We really want to leave, but based on the hours required at the new job, I think the offer kind of sucks.

    1. I guess I really don’t understand why you are hesitating. You want out of your present city, you have an offer for more money at a place with interesting work, and the hour difference only comes out to another 12.5 hours/month over a year…

    2. I am at a BigLaw firm with an office in the midwest (not Chicago). For a fourth year, that sounds right to me, unless you are in a practice like patent law. In fact, it seems like a very good offer. I’m not sure you will find a job for $185k a year in the midwest with less than 2000 hours. Where did you get that figure, if you don’t mind me asking?

      1. I am sorry, I thought you were saying your salary goal was $185k. I understand now. It still seems like a very good offer to me!

      2. To clarify, neither City A or City B are Chicago. My practice is IP litigation. I know that the starting salary at the firm making the offer is $145k.

    3. First of all, congrats on your offer!

      Is the offer negotiable? It never hurts to ask, and you could ground your argument in what you mentioned above re: the increase in hours expected. If that doesn’t work, maybe they could at least cover your moving expenses? Finally, consider the prospects for future raises at the new firm. You didn’t mention, but it’s quite possible that, while your initial salary might be lower thank you’d like, over the years you will end up receiving much better compensation than at your old firm.

      Apart from the money, though, it sounds like you would be much happier in your new position in a better city, closer to family and friends! It seems to me like you’d be much happier there in the long run.

      1. This. Also – if your longterm goal is to make partner, how do those prospects compare at your current firm versus the potential new firm? And is there a lateral credit? Will you move into an equal position or will you lose (or gain) a year of seniority, partnership track, etc?

        If starting salary is 145K at the new place and your offer is 160K, it seems really reasonable. Every lateral in my experience has lost about a year or so of seniority with his/her move.

    4. My guess is that as a fourth year, you would still be more or less lock-step. At my firm, you go up about $5000 a year. I would not consider this offer to suck at all. Is there a bonus program?

    5. Take the job in City B so you can live somewhere you like better. If you don’t like the job, it’ll be much easier to find a new one once you’re in City B and have made connections in the legal community there. 160K is nothing to sneer at, especially in the midwest, and 2000 hours is standard for large law firms.

    6. What about bonus potential? 2000 hours is pretty standard for large firms but I would expect a more substantial bonus for meeting that target than I would for 1850 hours.

    7. You should ask what counts towards the 2000 hours. Did your old 1850 number include pro bono? Many big firms include time spent preparing trainings or writing client alerts, etc. in their billable target.

    8. From what I understand from my connections in St. Louis, your offer isn’t out of line. Plus, many firms will pay you less than your class year would otherwise suggest when you lateral. On the one hand, this kind of screws you. On the other, it probably results in a lower billable rate for you, which can be good if you’re going to be working in a new practice area and need some learning curve time.

      Where in the Midwest–other than Chicago– do you expect to be making more bank than $160k for 2000 hrs?

  4. Love this but from experience wrap tops ride up to below my b..bs after an hour or so unless there is a button or something at the waist to secure them. I think they look best on less chesty ladies….

    1. And, as a less chesty, myself, all these kinds of wrap tops and dresses do is gape so much that I have to wear a nice camisole underneath as part of the outfit. I have a DVF dress that wraps and, while gorgeous, I never wear it because having to tie it so tightly and wear a cami underneath it makes it less than chic and hardly comfortable :(
      That said. Love the way this top looks.

      1. Was it this site where someone recommended stitching a wrap dress closed just enough so you can get it over your head yet it won’t gape so much? Or maybe some tiny snaps?

        1. Hmmm. I’ve never thought of that. I might have to have that done, because that dress is just languishing in my closet right now.

        2. I’ve had to sew several of my wrap dresses* and it works well. The ones I’ve done it with were either jersey so there was enough stretch to still be able to get it on, or they had a side zipper so there was plenty of room with the zipper undone to pull it on.

          *Actually, they aren’t even true wrap dresses, but a wrap-style top half that comes together at the empire waist. Even with those there’s way too much material when I drop my shoulders that an entire side of my chest comes out.

          1. I got the bottom of a wrap dress sewn shut (a true wrap, as in it involved some serious safety-pinning before) – a great decision. The safety pins were damaging the fabric (a knit). Now it’s wearable regardless of the wind, etc., and I don’t have to think about it.

  6. Wanted to post my Nordstrom sale haul (especially for SF Bay Associate).

    I’m on a limited shopping budget so I got these pants in pumice for $39:
    http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-taylor-cotton-sheen-pants/3132894?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=317

    I wanted to get the black, but they weren’t available in the store and I thought $8 shipping was a little steep for something I’d never seen. Fast forward to yesterday when I wore them and loved them. I decided to bite the bullet, buy the black and pay for shipping, only to find that they’re now available in my local store.

    Oh, and thanks to everyone who stepped in to defend my honor yesterday. I’d like to buy you all a drink, but I don’t think that’s possible. I’ll settle for buying SES a drink, if she wants.

    I’m at work today with a migraine and I’m miserable, but the first week of the month is my crazy busy time so I can’t avoid it. If anyone has tips on how to deal with a migraine at work, I’d love to hear them…

    1. I get migraines at work once a month (ahem) like clockwork. It absolutely sucks. I’ve found that a combination of Excedrin Migraine and a big cup of coffee helps. So does turning off the overhead lights in my office.

      And FWIW, I think you’re in Boston too – I have been having INSANE sinus headaches this week from pollen allergies. I finally got rid of them with Claritin and the “real” Sudafed from behind the counter – the one with Pseudoephedrine in it, comes in a red box. If your headache feels like a migraine but it’s in the front of your forehead, it might be a sinus headache.

      1. I think we might be soulmates. Mine arrive like clockwork, too.

        Usually, I drink tea, but I just ran out to Starbucks. Unfortunately, I’m in a cube. If I turn out the lights, the entire floor will go dark.

        And, yes, I’m a huge allergy and sinus infection sufferer. I actually take Claritin 24/7 365 days of the year. My headache is actually on the left side of my head (classic migraine for me), but I do have Aleve Cold & Sinus (another behind the counter med). At this point, I’ll try anything.

        1. I get terrible migraines too. Try adjusting the brightness on your computer screen as low as it’ll go and if that doesn’t work, wear sunglasses at least at your desk. Earplugs/good headphones should help if noise bothers you. I know the sunglasses will get some comments (“she must be hungover!”), but if you’re like me and REALLY can’t take the light, can’t go home, and can’t turn off your light, it might be the only option you have. Hope you feel better!

          1. I got a glare-reducing screen for my computer, and it has helped dramatically with migraines.

        2. I don’t know if you use lights under bookshelves in your cubicle, but I always used to have mine on, and turning them off has really helped my headaches, generally, even with the overhead lights on.

      2. If you are on the pill:

        I used to get monthly migraines too. It turned out to be my BC pill (after 3 years w/out side effects–I suddenly got headaches). I switched from Desogen to Loestrin (no headaches but other side effects) to Alesse and the Alesse is really working for me now.

        Take a chart like this:
        http://contraception.about.com/od/thepill/l/bl_choosingapill.htm
        to your doctor and she/he should help you out.

        1. Interesting. I’m on Loestrin now. I have my annual in 2 weeks so I’ll talk to my doctor.

          1. I used to be on Loestrin, and I’d have awful headaches– ones that I never had before BC. It could be the cause, but who knows.

      3. I agree that Excedrin is the BEST thing (over the counter) that I’ve found for migraines. Actually the Excedrin doesn’t have to be the “migraine” formula (I’m not sure they even have different ingredients).

        When I’m caught without my Excedrin, drinking something with as much caffiene as possible and taking aspirin is the next best substitute.

    2. Hey Bunkster, these pants look great. Can you comment on the sizing? I’ve had trouble figuring out Halogen sizing — I have pants from that brand in a size 6 and a skirt in a size 2! How do these fit? Also, can you comment on whether they “whisker” in the crotch area? That’s always been my problem with cotton pants. Thanks!

      1. They seem true to size. I’ve never owned any Halogen before, but I’m an 8 and I bought an 8.

        If I’m understanding your “whisker” question correctly, I didn’t see any issues with that. I think that’s probably because they’re both slightly structured and have a little stretch in them. Also, they’re called Sheen, but they weren’t shiny at all.

        They do seem to be a little higher in the waistline, but that’s probably a normal waistline. Most of my other pants are probably more low-rise. Not wearing pants today so I can’t compare…

      2. I have several pairs of Halogen Taylor pants. They are generally true to size. My body has been changing a lot post-baby, and the measurements listed for Halogen’s pants are always right on.

      3. Whiskering tends to happen with pants that are too small or ill-fitting. Halogen pants are pretty true to size. I like that they’re neither too low or too high cut.

        1. I have the same problem, but it happens even when the waist size is way too big on me.

          1. For me, it’s not an issue of the waist fitting, but whether the pants fit properly in the hips. Unfortunately, the waist is usually huge by the time pants fit over my hips, so I have the waist taken in.

    3. Chat/call with the Nordstrom online help and ask nicely for a shipping refund, or free shipping on your next order – I wouldn’t be surprised if they do it.

      I’m still a bit shamefaced by the rep I seem to have earned for myself, but oh well. I’m a fool for Nordies. My order finished arriving yesterday, and I had some successes and some misses. Based on the support here, I’m keeping the crosshatch jacket and skirt (336820 and 336824), at least for now. I love the Shimera seamless tank (295299_3) and will be buying several more colors. The CEAtlier silk drape top (328445_1) was ok, but the threadjack yesterday about how bending over a desk with a scoop leads to tunnel vision straight to your bra proved to be accurate – back it goes. I really liked the sidewalk stripe pants (336834) which are very flattering for my pear shape (gotta love the wide waistband), but the skirt and jacket (336834 and 336835) didn’t work for me – could be very cute on someone else though. The Elie Tahari wide leg Lyndsey pant (320043) were On Sale For A Reason – high waisted, no back pockets, and made of fail.

      Special hug to TCFKAG, who introduced me to the Tory Burch Vanessa dress (336224) in a threadjack. I stalked it for months and snapped it up when it went on 40% off. It is is AMAZING. TCFKAG, if you ever find yourself out in the Bay Area, I owe you a drink!

      1. Please don’t be embarassed about it. I really appreciated all the tips. Honestly, I wouldn’t have even checked the sale if it weren’t for everybody’s raves about both the sale and the various brands.

        Also, thanks so much for the Google Docs suggestion. I love it. I just update the list there and all my friends can access it.

      2. Hey SFBA, this is helpful! How much did you pay for the Tory dress?

        The rest of my Nordstrom booty is coming in today. Unfortunately, I haven’t been crazy about what I bought so far and they will likely be mostly returned.

        I got these shoes yesterday. They’re cute, but only for the narrow of feet. Part of my foot kept coming out of the top section.

        http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bc-footwear-shipwreck-sandal/3079787?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=1494

        1. A horrifying $235, and that’s at 40% off! Still, the Vanessa dress and I are going to be bff’s, so I’m trying to focus on cost per wear. Legally B, I suggest you get a Nordie’s Personal Stylist to track down a pair of the sidewalk stripe pants in your size. You and I seem to like the same sorts of clothes, and the pants are great on me.

      3. no need to be shamefaced! Shout-out was meant as a gentle tease only! Glad your hunting is paying off :)

      4. Also, SFBA, you misunderstood me earlier. I had fully resolved to buy the pants and pay full shipping, but when I went to order them they were available in the store.

        I just picked them up now. And per yesterday’s recommendations, I also bought the Halogen ponte knit skirt in cadet blue. I also bought this lovely top to go with it: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-drape-neck-mesh-top/3187498?origin=category&resultback=771

        They didn’t have the skirt in my size at the store so they’re shipping it to me free.

        I think this look will be perfect for my trip.

    4. I feel your pain. I woke up with a migraine this morning and the first thing out of my mouth was “aaaaahhhhh not today”. Why don’t migraines come on days where I don’t have to analyze, draft, be present? I unfortunately don’t have any tips but try to keep it at bay with migraine Rx, coffee and tons of water… it still doesn’t help and I know by about 2 I will be completely worthless.

      1. So weird, I got this awful headache yesterday that I’m struggling to control with aleve and copious amounts of caffeine. All of us at the same time?

      2. I have atypical migraine with aura, which means that I (fortunately) don’t get the headaches, but I get aphasia (nothing like discovering in front of a partner that you can’t put a sentence together!) and then, at the height of the attack, visual disturbances such that I actually can’t see.

        Of course, they’re triggered by stress, so they’re most likely to turn up when I can least afford them…

        1. I get aura too! But they are visual disturbances so I basically cannot see for about half an hour, culminating in a migraine headache. The part where I am not able to see is worse than the headache part.

          1. Sometimes I get the aura. If I do, I can then fend it off with an Ibuprofen 800 Mg.

            Of course, for all I know I might get the aura on the ones like today where I wake up with it, but since I’m not wearing my glasses then, my vision is already blurry.

  7. Anyone out there in the Seattle area who has rented a party bus? My co-workers and I are going in on a party bus for a Girl’s Night Out. The problem is we cannot dance while the bus is in motion- what the heck? I have no idea where we should have the driver go and I need to present him with an itinerary. Any ideas for fun stops in the Seattle area? We definately want to dance so I need to think of some good destinations where the driver can stop the bus so we can crank out our moves.

    Thanks in advance!

    1. Likely the bus company’s insurance policy forbids you to dance when the bus is moving. Lots of marinas in Seattle – maybe park near one with a view of the water? Also, Green Lale park is beautiful.

  8. Regular poster using a different name for this…

    Ladies, I need reassurance (or someone to tell me I’m a muppet).

    In Jan this year I moved to a new area to be with my boyfriend. My background is in a specific industry, predominantly project-based work. I started looking for work, and in Feb took on a temp contract role providing admin support for a project (one I found very exciting). The money was insulting considering my skillset, but I was assured the role was pure admin/secretarial; it gave me some cash while I looked for something else, and the opportunity to make some contacts in my industry in my new area.

    Unsuprisingly I ended up working far beyond that job spec (managed the full hardware rollout in a new building for over 500 users, built a couple of networks when the engineer got injured, managed the project documentation, covered for the installation manager who had a family emergency for a fortnight, set up and ran the service desk for initial occupation and basically worked 16 hr days while contracted for an 8:30 to 5 working day). My contract expired and I left the role/company.

    Three weeks later I get a phone call from the agency who initially sourced me for this company. They want me back in a different role on the same project for a couple of months, but at the same initial rate. I’ve asked for an increase in money – to what is still a very low level (lets call me extremely good value) but what would be a 25% increase. I know that the plan is to eventually make this role perm, and I know the salary band that it would fall into (and have basically asked for top end of that band). They have responded very negatively to my request and told me they’ll discuss it on Monday but it’s been made clear to me by the agency that they are unhappy with the line I am taking.

    I already know that my references with the company are safe. I don’t want the perm role (not the career direction I hope to head in), but am happy to do the job on a temp basis while I look for something more suitable (it would give me the chance to learn more about certain systems that may well help later in my career) and it would be nice to have some cash coming in.

    Basically I’m desperate to work and need someone to tell me I was right to ask for the money that I know I’m worth. Or alternatively someone to give me a kick in the backside and tell me any work/money is better then nothing and I should snap their hand off.

    On a side note, the agency in question have, not exactly a monopoly on jobs in my area/industry, but certainly manage a fair proportion of them. I don’t want to end up with the reputation of being difficult, but I certainly don’t want to come over as a pushover, or easy to shove into the badly paid roles no-one wants.

    I realise this is fairly garbled; but thoughts would be most welcome at this stage.

    1. You were right to hold out for what you know, and have already proved to these very people, is your value. You may lose this battle (this particular job), but you will win the war (people in this industry in this town will know you are very good and that, if they want your skills, they need to pay you). If you had folded, they would have learned that they can take advantage of you.

      This is all assuming you can afford to lose this battle.

    2. Hi Muppet,

      You have every right to ask for more money, especially in light of the fact you have gone above and beyond.

      The agency makes money on you working so they are going to do what they can to complete the deal and get you working to their benefit and they will try to pressure you to make the deal happen stick to your ground.

      If they refuse on the money if you can get holidays paid or vacation time. At one point I worked on contract with paid holidays and two weeks vacation.

    3. I think you are completely in line. Only you know how much you need the money, but assuming you’re not starving or putting all your expenses on credit cards you can’t pay off, I say hold firm! I think your argument is very compelling and reasonable, and I would not worry about what the company thinks about your request.

      I would try to talk to your contacts at the agency and say basically what you said here, prefaced with something like “I just want to make sure you understand I’m not being unreasonable. I took the first role in a pinch and the low pay was explained by the fact that they’d said they wouldn’t need to make full use of my qualifications. It turned out they did come to lean on my technical expertise, and this new role will also make use of my broader qualifications, so there should be no question I should be compensated accordingly. I want to make sure we’re on the same page here…”

    4. You should ALWAYS ask for what you’re worth. You know that better than an agency trying to lowball you to one of their clients. Especially if there are no benefits or other perks associated with this temp work, I’d heard of contractors asking for even more, especially in technical fields (which sounds like it based on your post?). I would be pleasant but firm in anymore dealings with this agency – you won’t come across as difficult. If they were nasty to you for asking for something fair like what you are worth then they should be the one worried about their reputation for sourcing and placing stellar candidates. Be confident!

    5. I think you are completely in the right to ask for more money. I work through a temp agency right now and I’m actually not allowed to do things outside of the job description because that would qualify me for a different pay scale. Also, I get paid for the actual hours I work regardless of what hours I’m set to work.

      I hope they’ll realize that you were right to ask for more money and figure out how to make that work for you.

    6. I think you’re right too. What normally happens in this situation is that the company hires someone else for less, they F it up, and the company comes back to you (or you get a better job in the meantime). If you can afford to live while you wait for a better offer, stick to your guns. OTOH, if you really need the money, there’s not that much you can do – they have the upper hand.

      1. No other benefits. Thank you ladies, I knew I was doing the right thing, I just needed someone independent to say it.

        Kaydee, I’m not really technical more a project management bod. The nature of the job means if you end up on technical projects (which I do) you learn some basic technical skills. But yes, I think the principal remains.

        I will hope tight, see what comes back, and perhaps call the chap who gave me the heads up this offer was coming to see what’s going on there.

  9. For you DC ladies, can you recommend a website that advertises renting condos in the Dupont/Logan area? I would ideally love to rent a condo as opposed to living in a big box sterile apartment building. We went to DC a few weekends ago and weren’t impressed by the apartments we saw with the exception of the Hudson. Craiglist seems to advertise mostly apartments, not condo rentals. Any ideas?

    2. You need to walk around the neighborhood and look for signs, or use a realtor. I rented a condo managed by Chatel Real Estate for a while and was very happy with them.

    3. Not in DC, but I had luck finding a condo in Boston using the For Rent by Owner section of CL.

    4. My friend put her condo up for rent on Attache Property – http://www.attacheproperty.com/index.php

      I’d also suggest checking out the local real estate companies – EJF (which manages our condo association, also has a leasing side). Long and Foster. Those two come to mind readily.

      1. If you haven’t tried it, padmapper sorts craigslist listings geographically–and is the tool I used to find a condo for rent in DC. Good luck!

  10. My best friend is in labor (literally, as I type this) and I’m planning to go see her and the baby next weekend. But I wanted to send her and her husband something small to congratulate them when they get back to their house next week. Obviously flowers came to mind, but is there something that you would have been appreciated the first or second day you got back from the hospital? Thanks!

    1. Congrats to your friend! Any way you can have dinner delivered for them? Or maybe one of those services that does several dinners at once that they can freeze? That is what my new parent friends have asked for once they get home.

    2. Do you know if your friend will have family near to help when she gets home? If not, food would likely be greatly appreciated.

    3. Not flowers. They will just die and never be looked at in the upheaval that is a newborn. Can you send a housecleaning service, a gift certificate for doggy daycare, a gift certificate to a restaurant delivery service, a gigantic box of cookies/muffins/candy, diapers, a boxed set of a favorite TV series on DVD? Just my opinion from my recent experience :-) I’m sure the flowers would be lovely though.

      1. Agree. These suggestions are great – and much better than flowers. We were overrun with flowers. And we loved the meal delivery service so much that we continued using it!

    4. Healthful food! My neighbors brought over dinner the day we brought our daughter home and I couldn’t have appreciated it more. Send food or yummy snacks. You could even try that fruit that looks like a flower arrangement delivery service. Eating is very erratic for the first week the baby is home. Not having to cook is a huge help. Also, if you can, offer to take care of the baby for an hour or so — let your friend take a walk around the block, get a cup of coffee, or a pedicure. A short break can be a lifesaver!

    5. We got one of those edible arrangements (with fruit) from someone at the birth of my son, and it was great! We gobbled it up, the fruit was good quality, etc.

      You could also look at Harry & David for food treats, especially fruit. They are high quality and lovely.

      I would stay away from flowers and tend more toward food items.

      1. Harry & David is a great suggestion — a friend of mine told me the absolute best gift she got when she had her first was a box of the gourmet H&D pears. I’ve never been pregnant, but another friend sent me those pears as a gift during finals one year and I can tell you they really hit the spot. And they’re not too expensive, either… maybe $30/box?

      2. 2nd the edible arrangement. the beauty is that the fruit is already even cut up for you. no work, just eat, which is what they’ll need upon arrival home from the hospital.

      3. The H&D pears are delicious, but I don’t know if it’s the right season for them. I’ve had Edible Arrangements several times and have been impressed with the quality.

    6. A gift basket full of yummy, nutritious snacks. After my son was born I was starving all the time, and with my hands full of baby, I couldn’t really cook anything. I relied on string cheese, dried fruit, granola bars, and little packets of nuts to get through the day. My hubby’s coworkers sent us a great fruit basket that came with crackers and little cheeses and it was the best thing!

    7. I would have appreciated a sweet card with a gift card to a local restaurant, or a meal delivered. That said, we also got flowers that were lovely and I certainly didn’t mind them! My cousin (an ob nurse) sent us a box of oatmeal cranberry cookies from a local bakery that were so yummy and she said that oatmeal is good for nursing mothers, which helped me feel less guilty about eating so many of them!!

    8. I second/third the snack suggestion. When my friends and neighbors bring home babies (and assuming I have time), I make a bunch of different kinds of trailmix, tie the bags with cute ribbon, add some fruit and a few tasty granola/protein bars and put it all in a cute basket lined with fabric that goes with the baby’s room so they can re-use it. I get nothing but raves about it and I’ve noticed that some of them have been doing the same thing for others. And, it makes me feel like I’m really doing something to help them out. Congrats!

    9. Gourmet ice cream. A family member sent us a styrofoam cooler packed with lots of different flavors and they made for a treat every night (and an easy thing to offer visitors).

    10. In addition to meal delivery, a gift certificate for a house cleaning service or laundry service would be extremely helpful, as would a gift certificate to have groceries delivered (she probably won’t want to eat takeout forever).

    11. Thanks, everyone! I ordered a Harry & David fruit & snack gift basket. I’m sure she and her husband will enjoy it!

    12. second heat-and-eat dinners – it’s very hard to even think about what to buy and make for dinner in those first weeks, let alone actually DO it. Definitely the best gift. Massage and spa stuff appreciated later on but not those first few weeks. Don’t bother with reading material or DVDs or things like that, there’ll be no time to focus on them. Housecleaning is also a great idea.

  11. Love love this shirt. Buying now. On another note, I am SO disappointed with my recent AT Loft purchases. I had a coupon for 30% off and went on a bender. I wore all of the stuff just once and after washing it looks totally faded. I think the quality of AT loft is very poor. :-(

    1. All the Old Reliable stores have gone down in quality. I truly have no idea where to buy replacements when thing wear out.

  12. I own this shirt, except in a stripe fabric. One word of warning – for some reason,the tie hits me in such a place that it looks like I’m pregnant. Like, the tie falls above my stomach, and the shirt flares out over my hips, and the fabric is stiff enough that it sticks out in front of me and looks like I’m trying to hide a baby belly.

    Otherwise, I like it – cute, lightweight (perfect for summer), not too low-cut, and the price was right. I’m still trying to find a way to pin the fabric, or wear skinnier pants/skirt so it’s obvious that I’m not pregnant.

  15. Can I wear cream to work? Ive found a dress I love but the black and navy have sold out. I’m debating the cream, and it’s cheap enough to risk (I think) but I’m wondering if it’s too, something.

    I’m blonde and pale, so hoping it would look elegant and sophisticated, but it may be I just look ghost pale.

    And if I do buy it, what do I wear it with?

Comments are closed.