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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 194 Comments · by

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Tab Waist Ponte Knit Dress

The Personal Shopper (TPS) |

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. This week's guest posts are from one of my best friends since college, who we'll call Auntie M – read more about her here. – Kat Merona Women's Tab Waist Ponte Knit DressFirst off, I have no idea why this mustard color is called “Calm Forest.” Yellow is not, traditionally, a particularly calming color, nor does it remind me of a forest. That said, I am loving this dress. The color, button details and boatneck give it a “Mad Men” feel, but with the soft, flared skirt on the bottom it's a little less va-va-voom than what we see on the show. I'd wear this with some great earrings and a boyfriend cardigan, perhaps one in a pattern to break up the constant yellow — sorry, “Calm Forest” — of the dress. If I was feeling adventurous with color, I might also pair it with some purple pumps. The dress is $29.99 at Target. Merona Women's Tab Waist Ponte Knit Dress 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 9.19.24

  • Nordstrom – Beauty deals through September, and cardmembers earn 3x the points (ends 9/22)
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 30% off sale
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Boden – 15% off new styles
  • Eloquii – Extra 50% off sale
  • J.Crew – 50% off select styles — and 9/19 only, 50% off the cashmere wrap
  • J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 50% off sale with code
  • Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Neiman Marcus – Friends & Family 25% off
  • Rag & Bone – Friends & Family 25% off sitewide
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – Anniversary event, 25% off your entire purchase — Free shipping, no minimum, 9/19 only
  • Target – Car-seat trade-in event through 9/28 — bring in an old car seat to get a 20% discount on other baby/toddler stuff.
  • Tuckernuck – Friends & Family Sale – get 20%-30% off orders (ends 9/19).
  • White House Black Market – 40% off select styles

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Comments

  1. Kandistyle

    I got this a few years ago in black. I loved it then and I love it now!

    • AccountingNerd

      I got the balck one, also, last year. I get compliments every time I wear it, and everyone is always surprised it is from Target. I love the yellow, but I’m not sure if it’s too bright/loud/look-at-me for my work. I’ll definitely be going to target this weekend to check it out.

        • PollyD

          I think I have this exact dress in eggplant. I am a 2 in BR skirts, a 4 in Boden dresses, I think maybe a 2 for Loft dresses, and the Target “small” for this dress fit pretty well, maybe a tiny bit big. Extra small wasn’t available so I don’t know how it would fit. It has a straight seam down the back so I actually might take it to a tailor to see if it can be easily taken in just a bit. The fabric is about a medium weight – not too clingy, but not a heavy true ponte knit.

          For further reference, I’m about 5’3″, about 117 ilbs, 32D, and have 27″ waist jeans from Gap (they’re a little roomy).

          I also want to say that I do love Target, but their website is just the worst. I hate how if you want to see the same item in different colors, you have to FIND all the different colors – there’s no drop down menu of colors. Same for sizes – sometimes there will be separate links to the same dress in small, medium, large. Very inefficient.

          • Lyssa

            On the Target site, I know! I’ve never seen anothe website that does that; it’s so frustrating!

          • Coalea

            Agree about the Target website – it’s horrible! Every single time I have tried to shop for something there, I have gotten so frustrated that I log off without making a purchase.

            I’ll add to the list of gripes and say that it really bothers me that they lump both women’s and junior’s fashions together and don’t allow you to search for just one or the other. Also, I’ve seen many items listed on the website that are not in stock! (i.e., completely sold out, not just lucky sizes/colors left)

    • Confessions

      I too have this in black from a couple of years ago and I still love it – allow one of the buttons on the sleeve came off so I just removed the button on the other side and love it even more this way – although this new version doesn’t look like the sleeeves have any buttons

      I actually disagree with Kat’s styling suggestion – in my experience layering over this dress doesn’t work – the sweater will not sit right over it – I think this dress needs to stand alone

    • Runnin for it

      I think this is the second or third time this item has been featured on this site. Before, it was the black and the brown one.

  2. AJ

    I actually love this, although I think mustard might wash me out. It would look fabulous on someone with darker skin than mine, though.

    Threadjack: black blazers. I bought mine last year from a TPS, and it was great all through fall and winter. However, this spring I went on a serious weight loss plan, and I’ve lost 33 pounds. Suffice it to say that my delusions that said black blazer would be cute and oversized were just that, delusions.

    Does anyone have any suggestions for black blazers? I’m willing to go a little over $100, but not by much, since I’m underpaid and my student loan payments just went up.

    • AnonInfinity

      I don’t have much by way of blazer recs (other than maybe go to an outlet mall if you have one in your area and try on tons of them), but just wanted to say CONGRATS on the weight loss! 33 pounds is awesome!

      • AJ

        Thank you! I’m actually aiming for another 12, and see no reason why it won’t happen within another couple months; it’s been dropping pretty steadily since I started in May.

        I’m in New York, so not far from Woodbury. I’ll check it out when the public transit is a little better recovered from Irene. I just remembered that I was going to go to the Union Square Nordstrom Rack this weekend for tights, so I’ll check there too. Thanks!

        • AIMS

          While you’re at Nordstrom Rack, stop by the Filene’s Basement on down the block. They sometimes have nice blazers. Check in the “vault” section, in the middle of the second floor, not just in the “suits” section on the third fl.

          Also, check out BrooksBrothers’ online clearance section, they’re having a 5 day sale, and lots of classic black blazers around $100-$130.

    • SeaElle

      Congratulations! That is really awesome! Are you trying to lose more? If so you might want to go a little more bargain based so you don’t face this same thing again in a few months?

      I would recommend watching ideeli for one. Out of all the sample sale sites, ideeli tends to have the most conservative options the most often (and usually for the cheapest). A good one might pop up on there.

      If you need an invite let me know and I’ll post mine.

      • AJ

        I’ve got another 12 pounds before I hit my goal weight, and given my clothing sizes have gone down fairly slowly (33 pounds ended up only being one and a half clothing sizes) I’ll probably only going down to the next lowest size.

        I’m on Ideeli, Rue LaLa, Gilt, and HauteLook, much to my checking account’s detriment. Ideeli’s a good idea; I’m already keeping an eye out for suiting there, since the best I can say about my current suit is that it doesn’t fall off!

        • Wow!

          “(33 pounds ended up only being one and a half clothing sizes)” Wow you must be tall huh? I lost 26 lbs last year and only went down one size. My sister lost 15lbs and went down three!

          • AJ

            Yeah, I’m 5’7. I was expecting I’d be a 6 or 8 by now, but nope. Still a 10, although I can wear 8s in some brands.

          • MissJackson

            If it makes you feel any better, it works the other way, too! At 5’4″, if I gain 6lbs, I have to go up a clothing size!

            Congrats on your loss!! I’m a WW P+ devotee myself, on my way back down to goal after falling off the wagon for a bit.

        • TX Attny

          33 pounds?! You go! No blazer help, but just a salute to you. I’m dieting now – Weight Watchers – so I love hearing these stories. I can’t wait until I get to post that I need help replenishing my wardrobe with smaller sizes. :)

          • AJ

            Weight Watchers is what I’m on too! I’ve basically lost 2 pounds every week since April 26th. (Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less, only gained once. Woo!)

          • ceb

            Weight Watchers is what I’m on too! I’ve basically lost 2 pounds every week since April 26th. (Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less, only gained once. Woo!)

          • Joy

            I just started weight watchers 2 weeks ago. I’ve only lost 0.6 lbs each week so far. I was really hoping to lose 2 lbs each week and I’m guessing that I probably need to increase my amount of exercise. Do you have any tips for a new member?

    • Emma

      Is there a Zara near you? They have amazing blazers, and they’re usually around $80. I have a black Zara blazer that I wear all the time.

    • Always a NYer

      Congrats on the weight loss!!! Have you thought about having your current blazer tailored to your new size? When I find clothing I like, I’ll hang onto it as long as I can and tailor it as much as I can.

      • Anon

        This. I lost 40 lbs last year, and lost two sizes (BTW, as sizes go up, there is more “give” between them”. I took EVERYthing to a tailor and had it all tailored. So glad I did!

    • Ru

      Congratulations! If you’re not in a hurry and enjoy hunting for stuff, I would cruise Burlington Coat Factory at 23rd St as well as Daffy’s (there’s one at Herald Square and one near Union Square, 18th St I think). Sometimes, you can find amazing things in those stores.

    • Amy H.

      Congratulations! (I’m using WW too and love P+.)

      Since you may not want to go all-out on an expensive blazer yet — I have been really, really happy with my Gap black blazer in the same fabric as the Perfect Trouser. I bought it when they were having 30-35% off for something, so it was around $70 all in. I don’t think they have that exact model any more (it has pocket flaps — two on one side and one on the other), but they have the “Classic Blazer,” which looks very similar.

    • Inva

      It’s really cute, but I agree with both of attiredattorney’s observations. Too short for 5’8″ (you need tights) and definitely pills/fades after some washing. The fading may be less of an issue with this mustard color, though.

  5. Jenny

    I have purchased this dress in red and purple because it works so well on my busty apple shape. My red one started pilling, but I loved it so much I had to replace it with a new purple one. I probably got a good year of regular wearing out of it before the pilling became a problem. Highly recommended.

  6. Anonymous

    I also got this one a couple of years ago and loved it until there was too much pilling. Be advised that the sleeves make it look really weird under a cardigan, tough.

  9. Mir

    I kind of love this, and that color of yellow (calm forest) actually works really well for me. To Target! Any comments on how this looks on more pear-shaped figures?

    Also, after waking up all week with a stiff neck, I’ve decided I need a new pillow. I know I saw a thread on that in the comments a couple weeks ago that had a lot of reccs for back sleepers like me, but I can’t find it — anyone remember when it was or have the link? TIA!

    • jesseves

      I don’t remember the thread, but Garnet Hill is currently having a buy one, get one free pillow sale. It runs through September 13.

    • Anonymous

      It says it’s only available online, so don’t go off to Target just for this :).

    • Littlest Attorney

      I have last year’s version of this dress in black and purple/maroon. I’m usually an 8 on top at AT and a 10-12 on bottom (so definitely a pear). It fits quite well on me and I get a ton of compliments when I wear it. I do tend to wear spanx under it if I’m not wearing tights though.

      As to the pilling – I cheat and take mine to the cheapo dry cleaner near me and its holding up well nearly a year later.

    • Amelia Bedelia

      I am a pear-shaped woman, but also busty. I like the look of this dress on me.

    • SF Bay Associate

      JCrew coupons live at the blog J.Crew Aficionada. If there’s one out there, those ladies know about it.

  11. kaydee

    Staying slightly on topic, I’m posting again the dress I bought earlier this week from Target, on sale for $24.99: http://www.target.com/p/Mossimo-174-Women-s-Herringbone-V-Neck-Dress-Black/-/A-13517524

    I was loving it in the store, and it was great throughout the day yesterday!Especially nice was the high(er) neckline – very work appropriate without looking prudish or overly conservative. Wore it with a black cardigan and peep toe heels. Also ordered the red and black versions and looking forward to more cardigan pairing and breaking out the boots when it gets to be time to pull them out!

    • AIMS

      That’s a cute dress. How is the sizing on Target dresses? If I am between sizes, should I order up or down?

      • PollyD

        I just posted my stats upthread for the tab dress. I actually tried on this one (the sleeveless sheath) the other day. The 2 looked good, but was just a bit too tight around my rib cage, I felt like I’d sort of have to breathe shallowly all day. I got the 4, it fits well, but I have to say I did sort of like the snugness of the 2. But I like breathing properly better.

      • kaydee

        They are pretty true to size – the dress does have a little stretch to it and it (slightly) flares out. I just downgraded from between a 6-8 to a 6 in this dress, since I wanted it to be fitted and fit well in the bust, so if you’re more bust-heavy, I’d go up.

      • Ashley

        I would say it depends on which part of your body makes you “in between”. I normally err on the side of caution and go to my larger size, as I’m fairly busty. The smaller size fits, but it’s a little too snug across the chest for the office IMO. I’ve found there’s plenty of room in the waist/hips, so if it’s your lower half, I think you can size down.

        • Ashley

          Also, FWIW, I have a hard time with dresses at places like Ann Taylor because the smaller size is generally snug on the hips AND the chest, but perfect/roomy in the waist, while the larger size engulfs me. I walked into one of their dressing rooms with about 6 dresses, and had the same issue on all of them. Hope that helps with the size comparison.

      • Anonymous

        And I’ll repeat my sizing advice from the other day:) I’m usually an 8 at Target and had to go up two sizes in this dress to a 12 because it was too tight in the bust and ribcage. I’m tall and pretty busty, though, probably a 38D. It’s a great dress–I highly recommend it.

        And, what the heck, I’ll also reiterate my recommendation for this dress:
        http://www.target.com/p/Merona-174-Collection-Women-s-Graham-Knit-Dress-Black/-/A-13561905

        It looks terrific on and the knit is very comfortable and thick enough to avoid the need for Spanx.

    • KM

      I have this in red! Love it! Going back this weekend to potentially purchase in more colors.

    • AJ

      I actually like it, although HP needs to stop giving me tips on my machine’s performance.

      • Alanna of Trebond

        I LOVE Windows 7! Amazing! Although, I actually liked Vista…so I might just be a weird one.

    • Selia

      HATE Windows 7 – I can’t find where they put anything, and it is not intuitive!

    • karenpadi

      I like Windows 7. The only thing that threw me was the Office Button in Word. I didn’t realize it was actually a button for a few days…

      • Houda

        Haha that made me laugh so hard (I also thought it was more of a design feature and not really a clickable button)

  13. Ru

    I need to get me to a Target. All these dresses you ladies are posting look awesome.

    • don't need a boyfriend

      Went to my Target in Houston … nothing there. Not even remotely like what folks have been posting. Racks and racks of sales items and polyester dresses, nothing that meets this “working” standard. Must be the local buyer’s take? Now I have to use the website. Sigh…

      Does anyone know if you can take a web order and return it to the store? I’ll have to get different sizes since I can’t try it on in vivo.

      • Former 3L

        You can return a web order in store. This is basically my number one hobby, generally, and Target is up for it. Basically Forever 21 is the only one that doesn’t let you return a web order in the store.

        • Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler

          Forever 21 does let you return a web purchase to the store, you just can’t ever get your money back. If you return something to that store, it’s automatically given as store credit.

  14. Blonde Lawyer

    Any interesting blazer recs for under $100? I’m in a new job that is a little more formal than my last biz-cas place but is still not “suits everyday.” It seems most people wear pants/skirt/blazer daily. I’m the only full time female atty. For now I’ve just been mixing and matching different suit bottoms and jackets but I’d love to get some interesting fall blazers. I already have the standard gray, black, pinstripe, blue, khaki.

    • don't need a boyfriend

      You might also check out Talbot’s sale as they have some good buys and lots of the 3/4 length if you like those, and Pendleton’s … there’s a nice navy windowpane (big checks) on sale. I mix skirts and jackets, but do love to have a cache of patterned skirts and patterned jackets to change things up. I also have recently scored a few unusual jackets at Nordie’s sale in person (prior to anniv. sale) and see a few on their website. In my more flexible career and owner run biz, I can wear more patterned things than the posters here. YMMV

  15. kz

    Reporting in on the J.Crew memo and index dresses.

    I ordered the memo dress in a bunch of different sizes and colors, and the index dress in my usual dress size just to compare.

    As for fit, they both run a bit large. I’m pear shaped and normally wear a 0-2 top and a 4 bottom, and usually end up with a 2 in most dresses. The 2 in these was too large in the top (I’m a small b cup, for reference). The skirt in the 0 is a bit snugger than I would like, but it still fits (I prefer looser skirts than most), so you should definitely size down.

    I didn’t like the look of the index dress as much as I thought I would–the knot part looked a little messy, though I saw it in the store in red and it looked better than the grey I had ordered. I tried on the cap sleeve dress they had at the beginning of the summer (I don’t remember the name–origami, maybe?) and i thought that one looked better for some reason.

    I kept the memo in “peacock feather” (teal) and am wearing it today. The color is much more of a true greenish-teal rather than the blue it appears on my screen. It does, in fact, appear to be the color of a peacock feather. The neckline would be too low if you have any sort of cleavage, I think, so this might work best for the small-busted. Also, the arms are a bit tight, so if you have muscular arms, it may not work. i wish it were just the teensiest bit longer, but I’m 5’6″ and it hits a smidge above my knee. I love the overall look of it, though, especially since it has sleeves and is a really great color. My BF said it’s very Joan from Mad Men (except not as va-va-voom as her’s)–basically, it’s what I hoped Banana republic’s mad men collection would be and wasn’t.

    • IA_Eng

      Very helpful review – thanks for sharing. I’ve been thinking about the Index dress since it was featured here but going and looking at the pics of it again, I can see you what you mean about the knot looking messy.

    • SoHo

      Super helpful, thanks! I have the Memo dress on its way to me in a 4 Tall and 6 Tall (also in peacock feather), and from your description I’m guessing I’ll be returning the 6. I’ve noticed that J. Crew has done a bit of vanity sizing lately since my 2-3 year old dresses are all 6s and the ones from the last year or so are 4s (and they all fit similarly).

      Curious whether you ordered the tall? My biggest problem with J. Crew dresses is often where the waist hits me… always a bit higher than I’d like. Maybe I have a low waist? I’m hoping getting the tall size will fix that. Where does the Memo dress hit you, waist-wise? TIA!

      • kz

        I did but they didn’t make it in a 0T and the 2T was too big in the top for me (darn my small boobs). The bottom of the waist seam (it’s like a band) hits me just at my natural waist, which i think is a little higher than most, so a tall may work for you. They’ve definitely done some vanity sizing lately I think… in no world should I really be a 0 in dresses with my thighs.

  16. Fashion Poll

    I love the look of a pinstripe suit but despise the ones that look like “zoot suits.” Here are my questions:
    1. What color do you prefer?
    2. What color is the pinstripe?
    3. Skirt suit or pantsuit?
    4. Vest?
    5. Type of material

    Looking forward to the comments and any store recs where to buy them. TIA!!!

    • Former 3L

      I just bought one of the Super 120s pinstripe suits from J Crew. I looooove the navy color. (And I usually am a charcoal devotee.) I ended up with the Nouvelle (longer) jacket and the pants, but I just bought the matching suiting dress today. It’s wool and a bit shiny, and the pants are unlined. The stripe seems to be tonal. I’ve seen lots of reports about the pants stretching out, so we’ll see how it goes.

      • Anne-on

        I’ve got a navy blue brooks brothers “pinner” (as my husband jokingly calls it) that I love. I also bough a gorgeous grey Theory pinstriped skirt suit recently. Has anyone else noticed Loehmanns seems to have a ton of theory suits recently?
        For my .2 –
        – I tend to prefer pinstripes in grey or navy blue with the exception of a more obvious black suit with wider white “chalk stripes” as I think of them – though that look can be hit or miss. I have seen some lovely deep aubergine pinstriped suits at brooks brothers in the fall/winter.
        – My navy blue suit has a light blue stripe, the grey one has a very light violet stripe.
        – Skirt suits tend to counteract the slightly mannish effect of a pinstriped suit, as I notice I tend to wear silky shells more with my navy blue pinstriped pants suit. A button down shirt under a pinstriped pants suit reads to “manly” for me – esp. being very small busted.
        – No vest for either suit
        – Both are wool suits and full lined (I won’t buy suits that aren’t lined and made from natural fibers).

        • b23

          I agree with no vest. I generally really like the three-piece suit look in tweed and such, but not in pinstripes. I think that is exactly the zoot suit look you’re trying to avoid.

          And I get what you’re saying about the danger of pinstripes. I think the best way to counteract that is to have a subtle pinstripe. Like Ann-on, my one pinstripe suit is navy with a light blue pinstripe, so it is pretty subtle. I’m not a fan of the chalk stripes.

    • ceb

      1) Spring: Grey & White, Fall: Black with a mallard green pin stripe
      2) See above
      3) Get both skirt and pants or regret it later
      4) Absolutely not.
      5) Depends on the season.

    • Emily I

      I have a lovely charcoal gray skirt suit (no vest) with a white pinstripe. It’s Calvin Klein. Ordered it from ruelala. No zoot suit vibe at all.

  17. Equity's Darling

    Can we play the ‘what’s everyone wearing today??” game?

    I’m wearing:
    Clothes: dark wash bootcut jeans from Fidelity Denim, a deep purple, gray, black patterned blouse from BR, and a black cardigan from H&M
    Shoes: Cole Haan air wedges with chocolate patent leather toes and super pale ivory/pink elsewhere.
    Jewellery/accessories: my watch and a pink pashmina around my neck that I bought somewhere in Vienna

    • Always a NYer

      Dark purple tee from J.Crew with black cardi from J.Crew as well, dark wash jeans tucked into black leather knee boots. My usual jewelry of watch, gold bracelet, college ring, claddagh, grandpa’s ring and cubic studs.

      Love this game!!!

    • AJ

      Clothes: dark wash midrise skinny jeans from Levi’s, an emerald green v-neck pocket tee from Target
      Shoes: Elizabeth and James pointed toe flats in midnight blue snakeskin
      Jewelry: Gold hoop earrings from Ralph Lauren

      There was going to be a blazer with this look, but I discovered it doesn’t fit anymore.

    • Ru

      I’m still in zombie mode, so it’s been a jilbab/abaya week for me, hiding my pajamas. I promise to do better next week =).

    • Anonymous

      Clothes – Ann Taylor black pencil skirt, Ann Taylor plum silk shell with some ruffle detail, Boden yellow crop cashmere cardigan;
      Shoes: Kate Spade Marli II black wedges
      Jewelry: not much – silver bracelet with some purple/plum stones, small silver stud earrings.

    • kz

      “peacock feather” (teal) memo dress from jcrew, white gold sivler balls, mother of pearl/silver necklace, and brown flats b/c I need to go pick up my nude pumps from the cobbler at lunch.

      Someone was asking about the memo dress the other day; I have a review comment pending moderation.

    • R in Boston

      Need to get on a plane this afternoon and look presentable when I get off, so I’m in a black AT shirtdress, red-orange beaded necklace, and eggplant pumps. Black flats are in the bag for the airport dash.

    • Bunkster

      Draped neck Halogen blue print short-sleeved top. Stretch banded waist Limited pencil skirt in beige. Nude-for-me 3″ open-toe slides.

      3 silver bangles (2 from Tiffany, 1 from Shreve’s). Blue enamel regatta bracelet. Silver-faced Armani watch with black leather band.

    • Lydia

      We have casual Friday’s at work. I am wearing a bright pink embroidered peasant top from Tommy Hilfiger. White pin stripe pants from White House Black Market. White wedge sandals.

      • Equity's Darling

        I’m a little jealous that both you and b23 can wear sandals and white pants still. And bunkster is in open-toes also.

        It was 5 degrees celsius when I left my apartment this morning. I was wearing a wool pea coat over my outfit on my way to work. And the pashmina was not only for fashion, it was also because I was cold. I debated going back for mittens. Certainly not sandal or open-toed weather.

        • Nonny

          5 degrees? Ouch. Don’t know what it is here today but my furnace came on this morning.

        • Jas

          I feel your pain. There was fresh snow on the mountains next to my town this morning. As I said in an earlier post, it was actually warmer when I was on the arctic tundra last week. Early fall weather sucks.

    • Anonymous

      Purple Victoria’s Secret sweatpants, a gray American Apparal v-neck tee, and dirty hair.

      Yes, I’m working from home today. :)

    • Jas

      Clothes: navy shirtdress and a black cropped cartigan
      Shoes: brown canvas Jeffrey Campbell lace-up boots
      Accessories: Pink and gold rectangular pendent necklace. I have decided after getting to work that the pink doesn’t really suit the navy. I hate it when I decide part way through the day that I made a fashion mistake.

    • J

      Clothes: Dark wash denim trousers from Loft Maternity, and a dark purple v-neck tee from Gap Maternity.
      Shoes: Fossil Maddox flats in leopard print. First time wearing them, and I’m pretty sure they’ll be my go-to shoe this fall!
      Jewelry: Wedding band and pink chandelier earrings I picked up in Turkey when we were there last fall.

    • MissJackson

      I’m super boring today. White BB button down with burgendy stripes, black BR pencil skirt from eons ago (still my favorite skirt in my wardrobe), and patent burgendy peep-toes that were my wedding shoes. My only accessory are some pearl studs, which are a default when I’m boring. I did at least managed to work up the motivation to paint my nails a nice fall color last night (Essie’s downtown brown — another of my favorites).

      My husband’s firm had a “jeans day” today. I’m still trying to get over my jealousy.

    • a passion for fashion

      I’m a bit boring today: Grey highwaisted trousers, white short sleeve theory shirt (story below), black wide patent belt and black patent SW platswoon pumps. only jewelry is my diamond studs, white ceramic watch, and normal rings.

      story — my favorite shirt — its a theory (thus quite expensive for a basic white shirt, but the cost per wear was awesome given that i wore it with everything) short sleeve buttondown material with small puff sleeves and a half placket of buttons. Its like 3+ years old. a few weeks ago, i was wearing on the weekend and got blood on it when my daughter cut her foot. no hope to get it out. so i googled it (litteraly: theory white short sleeve shirt) and found it on ebay for 40 bucks. im pretty sure its used, but its in fine condition, was $140 less that original price, and I have my favorite shirt back!

      • Lydia

        Glad you were able to fine it for such a great deal. Did you try Oxyclean spray on the original shirt to get the stain out? I can’t stop singing its praises after a friend of mine spilled a glass of red wine on me while I was wearing a white dress….it came out completely.

      • Anon

        For blood, a little hydrogen peroxide gets it right out! It will bubble when it comes into contact with the blood, but should be fabric safe. I have used it on all sorts of “soft” surfaces.

    • Nonny

      Clothes: Olive green cami (ancient, BR), olive green A-line cotton skirt (Club Monaco), multicoloured wrap cardigan (Anthropologie).
      Shoes: Fuschia flats from Me Too.
      Accessories: Not much to speak of since I’m travelling this afternoon and don’t want to take too much extraneous stuff. My normal gold chain with an onyx pendant and my gold St. Christopher medal, bone earrings carved into flowers, and my antique diamond ring.

      I am going white water rafting this weekend! Terrified, but everyone assures me I will have lots of fun.

    • KM

      I’m also boring today.

      Clothing: Black square neck Theory sheath dress. Black white and grey leapord print cardigan from Kohls.

      Shoes: silver Chanel ballet flats that I found at a discount shoe store for $29.00 (best.find.ever)

      Jewlery: engagement ring, watch, diamond studs, black freshwater pearls I bought at a craft fair and had made into a necklace.

    • jcb

      I’m pretty boring today. Dark rinse Joe’s Muse jeans, BR navy patent leather peeptoe 1.5″ wedge heels, and a deep purpley-pink BR crinkly silk top with flowy sheerish short sleeves and woven layers on the front. Black pearl studs, the usual ring and watch. It is HOT here in Chicago! Humid and up to 96 today!

    • Bonnie

      Very casual for me even for a non workday: jeans, Cole Haan flats, fitted school t-shirt and a black Northface fleece. I had resisted buying anything Northface for years but couldn’t resist this soft jacket! I’m still holding out on Uggs.

    • anon

      dark black skinny jeans, black tee, black and white graphic print 3/4 sleeve cardi with black satin Alexander McQueen Pumas. Love casual Fridays!

    • mamabear

      I’m glad these aren’t photo comments. I’m working from home and just got back from my hilly walk! Scraggly hair and typical yoga pants getup.

    • Supra

      Casual day:

      Citizen’s of Humanity boot cut jeans in a dark blue wash
      F21 olive green blouse, tucked in.
      J. Crew schoolboy blazer (circa 2008) in navy with gold buttons, sleeves rolled to show striped silk lining
      Grey t-strap pumps with maroon piping
      Gold hoops in ears
      Gold watch

    • Herbie

      Super casual in-house. 3/4 sleeve black tee, Citizens, and custom laceless Chucks (black outer with hot pink stitching and hot pink inner). Yesterday, was slightly more polished with J. Crew camel shawl-neck sweater over black Theory tank + Citizens and Charles David camel open-toed stiletto sandals.

    • Ruthy Sue

      Clothes: cuffed straight-leg dark wash jeans, Green “Oregon Ducks” polo shirt, brown cardigan, brown leather belt
      Shoes: Grey converse
      Jewelry: silver watch, simple gold necklace, and gold earrings featuring a small Puddles the Duck

      Obviously, not only do I have a very causal workplace on Fridays, but football season starts tomorrow. GO DUCKS!

    • PollyD

      Sally Smocked Blouse in an olive-brown color (it seems much more brown than the Canyon Shadow color on the site, so I’m not sure it’s the same color) from Banana Republic. Gray cardigan from BR (last summer). Denim skirt from H&M from a few years ago, it has panels so is sort of a small trumpet shape. Pewter slingback wedges from Dr. Scholls. Silver hoop earrings. Despite the denim, I am probably in the average to slightly above average level of formality at my office today.

    • Hiatus815

      Raspberry-colored dress from Gap — boat neck, cap sleeves, large flounce at hem, tie-back waist. I bought this (non-maternity) dress two years ago when I was about four months pregnant. I was able to wear it until I was eight months pregnant and again after having the baby. The waist tie makes it flattering at every size, since I can adjust the fit. It’s my go-to dress for days when I want to look polished but just don’t have the energy. Accessorized with a funky shell/crystal/garnet necklace my mom bought me at Chico’s years ago and my AK Anne Klein leopard print flats.

    • gov anon

      Boden’s “fun” skirt from last summer– white with appliqué flowers. Purple tee, also from Boden. And white wedge sandals. It’s Friday and my office can lean toward the casual side of biz-casual. Plus, it’s the leave at 3:30 day of my flex schedule. Unfortunately, when I leave I need to make the hour and half drive to my parents house. They’re on a cruise and someone needs to go find the spare key that my sister locked in the house last weekend so my brother can get in tomorrow.

  18. Do I Tell?

    Thanks all who gave me advice yesterday about approaching my supervisor for a reference. I asked her today for an honest assessment of my promotion potential wrt the budget and she said the prospects were grim. However she said she’d be happy to act as a reference and would make sure I have a glowing review in my file when it comes time for that.

  19. MissJackson

    Since this is available online only, worth mentioning that AAA members get a 10% discount. You just need to go to target.com via your region’s AAA website. I think you might get free shipping this way, too, but I don’t remember that for sure.

    Only a couple bucks in this case, but — heck — every little bit helps!

    • Anonymous

      Discovercard users, too– you go to Discover’s website first, and click through; the discount comes back on your next card bill.

      Ditto for Fossil & bunch of others I love, smaller 5% back for a bunch like Gap/BR, etc. Always worth checking to see if a brand is included before you complete an online order.

  20. roses

    Random threadjack for you ladies – my boyfriend and I are moving in together into our first “real” (i.e., not sublet) apartment soon. Between the two of us we have a couple of small abstract paintings, but not much else. Do you all have any suggestions about 1 ) where to look for artwork (we’re in Chicago if you want to suggest non-online retailers) and 2) how to choose a theme/make it look like everything “goes together”?

    thanks!

    • Equity's Darling

      I’ve gotten a couple of nice pieces from the local college of art and design here in my city (not Chicago)- the students are always so eager, and I love going to their end-of-semester exhibitions, not only for paintings or sketches, but also for jewellery or sculptures, etc. Plus, I find them pretty reasonably priced even for big piece of art, since the students, while talented, are relatively unknown and thus just excited to have someone buying their work.

    • LadyEnginerd

      Go to one of the art festivals, browse up and down, and see what you love. If you’re not ready to commit to buying on the spot, the artists often have business cards on them and websites so you can get ahold of them later. Conveniently, there’s one next weekend (sep 10 & 11) and I’ve seen some really cool stuff there in the past. I won’t post a link but google: East Lakeview Festival of the Arts.

    • Anonymous

      Check out the Renegade Craft Fair. It’s a fun event and you can find some interesting prints there.
      http://www.renegadecraft.com/chicago

      I also like the Illinois Artisans Shop on the second floor of the State of Illinois Building (Thompson Center). All the items are made by Illinois artists and craftspeople. There’s some schlock but also some really cool stuff, too.

      And If you want to go higher-end, just wander around the gallery district in River North one weekend and see if you like anything.

      Happy hunting!

    • Anonnc

      On your point 1, my husband and I have had luck buying work at artists’ open studios. We’re heading into that season now, so do some searching online to see if there will be any events coming up in your neighborhood.

      On your point 2, I think you should decide if it’s more important to you to have original art that you love or a cohesive/decorated scheme. If it’s the former, it’s going to take you a while to have a pulled together look, particularly if you plan to buy art that you both love. If it’s the later, there are lots of options. Collecting art is really a long term project, and it can be frustrating to have a small piece floating on a wall by itself. As long as they have some sort of common feature (a color, mood, period, frame, etc.), hanging your small abstract pieces in a grouping will look much better than sticking a single small piece by itself on a wall. You can fill in the other blank spaces with less expensive items (e.g., a poster-sized print in a ready-made frame). Once you acquire new works that you like better, you can swap them out. A really easy and inexpensive way to create a look that “goes together” is to purchase 8-10 cheap white frames with oversize mats (IKEA has some) and fill them with a series of letter press greeting cards or pieces of lovely wrapping paper or black and white photos, etc. and hang them in a grouping together.

      • Ashley

        LOVE the idea of framing the cards or wrapping paper. I’ve seen a lot of framed paper collages floating around online, and I just love the look. I’m into scrapbooking, and it’s always hard to cut up some of that pretty paper and “ruin” it by making it an accent instead of the main event :)

    • anon for this

      Depending on how much browsing in cheap galleries you want to do, I’d check out Pilsen or Wicker Park. Lakeview is lovely, but quite pricey now that it’s yuppie central. (I live in LV, before you all start hatin’.)

      Wicker Park is hipster central, where everyone is an artist. Pilsen is like the Brooklyn of Chicago, in terms of the mix of people who live there, hipster/arty and not.

      Second the Renegade Craft Fair, and I’d also suggest you find out what Columbia College has going on in terms of student showcases. They’re one of the best arts schools in the whole Midwest and possibly the country. Guarantee you can find something interesting AND affordable there.

    • Anon

      For theme – 1 option is to choose similar frames. Black is easiest. Frame everthing in some kind of black frame with a white matte. You can get fairly cheap frames at Jaysons on Clybourn – they have used frames. I believe they also have glass, but could be wrong.
      You can also pick color themes, but I find that boring personally, unless its done really well or if everything is black/white/gray.
      But I really don’t think you HAVE to have a theme. Pick stuff you love. My mom is an artist and my parents house has a ton of art from her and her friends. It doesn’t all “go” together but I lvoe that its all up together.

    • L

      If you like photos, deviant art is pretty cool. People can upload pics they took and sell them. They typically come in odd sizes (so you get the framing done by the company) but you can buy just the prints, get a normal size frame, and get custom cut mats.

      • xinwei

        Hi just thought i would let you know naklejki some thing.. This is twice now ive landed on your blog within the naklejki last three weeks searching for totally unrelated things. Spooky or what?

  21. Batgirl

    Any recommendations for good eye creams? I’m getting lots of “fine lines” right under my eyes and would like to nip it in the bud. I wear lots of sunscreen and use Clinique’s All About Eyes cream, too. Any other suggestions? I’d rather not totally break the bank, but all non-La Mer suggestions welcome!

    • Makeup Junkie

      I use 100% unrefined shea butter under my eyes when those lines started cropping up. Not only have the lines diminished, but I think it’s helped with dark circles, too

    • jcb

      I like Kiehl’s for that. Imperiale something-or-other (comes in a black container) for night-time, when I am really dehydrated. Otherwise Kiehl’s abyssine eye cream.

    • Seattleite

      I use SkinMedica’s TNS illuminating eye cream. It’s def. more expensive than some, but lasts forever (one pump = 1/2 a lentil, and that works for both eyes). Bonus is that my dark circles, which I’ve had my whole life, seem to have disappeared.

    • PollyD

      Also, be sure to wear sunglasses. And make sure your prescription is okay if you need glasses. A lot of lines can form/get worse if you squint a lot. I am nearly 44 and am often complimented on my lack of crow’s feet (although I am beginning to get a line in between my eyes), and I think it’s from 1) never tanning/not going in the sun much, 2) wearing sunglasses all the time so I don’t squint, and 3) probably luck/genetics. That said, I use the L’oreal eye cream that comes in a little pot, Revita-Lift or something? The packaging is red and white. I also pretty much use it all over my eye area – after I take out my contacts and wash my face at night, I just rub it all over the eye area, gets rid of any leftover makeup, too.

  22. Anon

    Threadjack

    Long story short, I’ve been working in BigLaw for 4 years, which was way longer than my original plan but the economy sort of derailed that plan. I am starting to actively look for in-house jobs but they are rare and I am not able to move for a job so it might be another year before I get something that is a good fit. Maybe longer. In the meantime, I really need to work on finding a way to just generally be a happier person.

    I’m starting to have serious marital problems because my husband is running out patience with my discontent. This morning he said “I’m starting to think you are incable of being happy.” Ouch. I know this isn’t true and we have been together for a decade and so he knows it’s not true either, but it made me realize that I need to learn how to be a happier person despite my work situation.

    So, I would love any suggestions you have for dealing with this. In particular, if any of you have read any books that have helped you learn to focus on the positive things in life and find joy in the every day, I would love recommendations. TIA.

    • Nonny

      I am sorry you are having such a terrible time. Virtual hugs.

      When I was going through a hard time last year, I decided to learn some meditation techniques to help me calm down, and also read a very good book called “Happiness” by Matthieu Ricard, who is a Buddhist monk but was previously a cellular geneticist, so brings a unique perspective to things. I read a little bit every day and spent a lot of time just ruminating over what he said, which I found very insightful and helped me think about what was important in life. I’ll post the Amazon link in a separate post to avoid moderation.

    • MelD

      The first thing to do is actually find some positive activities to do. If all you’re doing each day is going to work and then going home, then it’s going to be hard to find any real joy in the day or the week. I go to yoga once or twice a week and find it to be very helpful in generally lifting my mood, especially after I’ve finished a stressful project or had a really hard day. Even it means one less hour at home, making the other hours you do have with your husband happier ones will be well worth it. You can pick any activity you like and try to focus on it.

      • Noelle

        I empathize with your situation. I am a generally unhappy big firm lawyer as well with a husband who, for a while anyway, was getting pretty tired of hearing the same ol’, same ol’ complaints.

        I agree with the “pick an activity” advice. I’ve never been a huge fan of exercising, but in the last few years, regularly attending Pilates classes has been one of my primary ways of keeping sane and happy. My instructor and the other women in my class are great company. I’ve also gotten very into cooking. Unlike the law, cooking & baking provide near instantaneous results, which is why I think I like it so much.

        My husband is also pretty unhappy with his job (but stuck there given then state of the economy). He stays pretty active with extracurriculars, too. He reasons that if he can’t enjoy his 9-5 life, he might as well enjoy the rest of it.

        Good luck finding something that, at the very least, gets your mind off of work for a few hours every week.

    • Same Boat

      I’m in exactly the same place (even year wise) as you. It’s getting so bad that I think I have to see a therapist. I’ve resisted the therapy/medication route in the past, partly out of fear, partly because of inertia, but mostly because my husband is one of those who thinks psychotherapy is a sign of weakness, but I’m in such a perpetual funk – I don’t have enough energy to do any of the things that I’ve done in the past to sustain myself. It’s created real problems in my family life too, and is probably spilling over into my children’s lives. I feel like I’m drowning.

      • karenpadi

        If it helps, I finally sought therapy when someone pointed out that my funk was a sign of mental illness and asked me, “If you had a cold that lasted for as long as this funk, would you have seen a doctor by now?”

        We had an thread on here a while ago about whether someone should tell their spouse if she was going to therapy against her husband’s wishes. Most of the responses were to seek therapy first, then tell the husband.

        The nice thing about biglaw is the EAP program. They usually set you up with a few free sessions (that are renewable if you need it).

      • MissJackson

        Make that 3 of us in exactly the same place, including year. I have been considering therapy and/or medication for awhile, and should probably just do it.

        I recently re-committed to a rigorous exercise program (I run or do a Jillian Michael’s video 6 days/week). I made it an unbreakable “rule” that I WILL spend 30-60 minutes on me doing this each day. I’ve been doing it for a month now, and there’s a huge improvement in how I feel.

        The only downside is that if you get thrown off track, it doesn’t take much time off before you feel super down again. Also I do come in to the office later to accomodate my exercise “rule”. So far no one has said anything to me about the late arrivals, but I still feel quite a bit of internal pressure/guilt about it [even though I know it’s a little neurotic and crazy since I’m still billing my hours and getting my work done — with much less “zombie staring at the computer” time than I was having before].

    • karenpadi

      Have you thought about therapy or maybe even couple’s therapy? It sounds like he’s been and is trying to be very supportive but is burning out too.

      The People’s Therapist (google it) has an “Above the Law” column where he occasionally talks about the toll Big Law takes on the family of the lawyer (including the most recent column). The blogger does have a book out called “Life is a Brief Opportunity for Joy” at Amazon. I haven’t read the book but his blog is pretty good (or at least that’s what I think, some people here will disagree with that).

      • Sandy McSouthers

        I bought the book and thought it was kind of lame. It wasn’t coherent and insightful the way his blog is.

    • Amy H.

      It sounds like your husband is not a lawyer! I’m sorry you are going through this and hope you can soon bring back things in your life that bring you happiness despite what work is like. Two recommendations:
      1. Regular exercise. This makes a huge, huge difference in my mental equilibrium (and my husband is finally agreeing with me now that he’s going to a regular boot camp class). It also helps you get better quality sleep, which helps everything else.
      2. I really liked the book “The Happiness Project” — by a former lawyer/Supreme Court clerk! She also has a blog that’s very readable, so you could check that out too (the book is not just a transcription of all the blog posts). Google “happiness project.”

    • Samantha

      Read The Happiness Project. Blog, and if you like it, the book. I love it!

  23. corporette police?

    O.K. as a funny spirit-lift, Corporette style, for those working this “holiday weekend,” check out the “Fashion Citations” offered by knockknockstuff dot com.

    I found it on cleareance for $1.88 for a pad full at Pier One.

    Also here, at amazon …

    http://www.amazon.com/Knock-Nifty-Notes-Fashion-Citation/dp/B00471WQP0

    Perhaps this should be entry-level equipment to screen potential new Corporettes?

    Happy weekend to all

    • Nonny

      Hee hee, I think “maximization of flaws” is my favourite.

      OK, I am all over this thread today. Back to work.

    • R in Boston

      Was in the elevator a little while ago with someone for whom I would have checked off 8 of those, plus some more that aren’t on the list.

  24. Awful Lawful

    Any recommendations for a good wine of the month club that delivers to New York?

    • Anonymous

      I subscribe to the NYTimes wine club — 6 bottles every 1, 2, or 3 months. I signed up for the bi-monthly plan and have been pleased with the quality and really like the surprise factor. I tend to otherwise buy/drink the same kinds of wine over and over again, so it’s fun to try bottles that I wouldn’t have otherwise picked up. And the tasting notes/recipes are a bonus.

    • MJ

      Check out K&L wines. Also Sherry-Lehmann, Sunset. I like to just pick wineries I love and get their stuff. Saddleback Winery in Napa is great (extremely wide varietals), as is Papapietro Perry (if you like Pinot Noirs).

  25. Anon

    I got this last year and purple, and love it. However, it was too short- and I have super short legs! So had tailor cut it off to make a shirt. Very Jackie O. I love it. Surprised it isn’t short on the rest of you!

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