ByGuestPoster Hours Updated
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Frugal Friday’s TPS Report:

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Many thanks to this week's guest poster, Carolyn Hsu of The Daily Obsession and The Hsu Closet! Gap Tweed Pleated SkirtYou can look youthful and professional with this pleated tweed skirt. The banded waist and full silhouette make it an easy option for a variety of body types. In the fall and winter, pair with opaque black tights, your favorite button down blouse and booties for a fashion forward office look. The skirt is $49.95 at Gap. Gap Tweed Pleated Skirt 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 12.13

  • Nordstrom – Beauty deals on skincare including Charlotte Tilbury, Living Proof, Dyson, Shark Pro, and gift sets!
  • Ann Taylor – 50% off everything, including new arrivals (order via standard shipping for 12/23 expected delivery)
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – 400+ styles starting at $19
  • J.Crew – Up to 60% off almost everything + free shipping (12/13 only)
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off everything and free shipping, no minimum
  • Macy's – $30 off every $150 beauty purchase on top brands
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off, plus free shipping on everything (and 20% off your first order)
  • Talbots – 50% off entire purchase, and free shipping on $99+

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

250 Comments

        1. I’m even shorter, and I think it would still be too short for the office! It would be cute on the weekend, though.

    2. 100% agree. Even if that skirt is 2″ longer on me than that long-legged model, definitely way too short for work.

      3. That one’s awesome – I’ve put a bookmark on it for sure. Perfect length for me and I like the softness/looseness of the pleat look.

    4. I’m so tired of hearing opaque tights being the solution for way too short attire. Yes, you can’t see skin. But no, it still doesn’t make it acceptable to wear to the office. I can’t even fathom how you would sit at a meeting with it on.

    5. Maybe it’s because too many female lawyers I’ve seen lately have been dressing up like they are playing attorneys in a p*rn, but it actually made me mad to see this skirt this morning. Under no circumstances is this skirt appropriate for any job.

      1. I agree. Women should NOT show any part of their petooties to the slovenly men in the office, even if they are partners.

    6. My thought exactly.

      It’d be cute for ushering at your high school’s play…

    7. Tried on this skirt at the Gap yesterday.
      Positive: It is 20% off during Gap’s Columbus Day sale through Monday.
      Negative: It felt like very cheap fabric and tailoring. There is a very obvious center seam down the middle of the front pleat that I can’t really detect in the picture.

      I’m 5’8″ and it hit me mid-thigh (I’m long-waisted). It is definitely too short for work, no question, but I knew that even just pulling it off the rack. I was trying it on to consider it for going out, not the office. Had to put it back because it felt too costumey even for outside an office environment — it was getting way too close to “sexy Catholic schoolgirl outfit for Hallowe’en” for me.

    8. I disagree, y’all! Depending on your profession, you could look completely professional in this skirt!!

  3. School uniform anyone? Way too much like the short navy blue kilt I wore in the early ’90s to be appropriate for work today.

    1. I thought the same thing. It looks like my school uniform skirt after I rolled the waist to make it shorter.

      1. at my school, rolling once meant you were “normal” but rolling twice was like “woah are you turning tricks?” A few years back, I randomly went back to see how short the skirt was when I rolled it twice and had to laugh at how long it still was.

        1. Ha! My school was the same way. Our skirts must have been originally shorter, though, because two rolls meant that the shorts that you wore under your skirt (all-girls school) were visible from the back. Being that it was an all-girls school, I have no idea who we were trying to impress with our short uniform skirts.

          1. Haha. Were we classmates? So funny – to this day I still wear shorts under my skirts.

      2. And then you had to quickly and surreptitiously unroll it, as you knelt to the floor so the nuns could check to see if the hem reached the ground … ah, those were the days!

    2. Yes! I wore a navy blue pleated skirt exactly like this. Maybe that’s why I tend to gravitate towards navy blue because it’s the only thing my closet contained?

      1. Heh. I went the other direction. Forest green plaid uniform skirt here + forest green knee socks to make it oh so stylin’ (required). It took me 15-20 years to look at forest green without shuddering.

        And yes, we rolled our skirts. ;-) But it was one of the very few co-ed Catholic high schools so we had boys there to impress!

        1. I used to have a pretty blue/grey plaid dress that fit perfectly, felt beautiful. I rarely wore it even though it apparently looked good, because it always solicited the “Have you lost weight?” and “Wow great dress!” comments. I couldn’t figure out why I despised that allegedly great dress, until it suddenly occured to me that it was the exact plaid pattern and color of my school uniform. It found a new home in the to-be-donated bin.

  4. Black tights, white shirt, booties and a WAY too short, pleated schoolgirl skirt is not going to get you taken seriously in any office.

    1. This looks like a theme party costume. And a bad one at that. Makes me miss sorority days though! Sigh. Lukewarm keg beer and fraternity basements, I never knew I’d be so nostalgic about you!

  5. Seriously? I would look askance if my 23-year-old paralegal wore this (even with opaque tights), much less a colleague.

  6. super early threadjack!

    I have “the” skirt in the rum raisin magenta color and I want to wear it to a conference over Halloween weekend. Problem is that I’m not sure how to style it. Normally I would wear dark tights and pumps with a bright shirt but I don’t think that would fly at this conference and wearing a dark shirt seems a little heavy with dark legs/shoes…
    For thought guys at these conferences wear suits for the whole weekend, women have a whole lot more leeway as long as it is conservative. I usually wear a suit on Saturday, blazer and skirt Friday- the two days we are in committee the longest, Thursday and Sunday a sweater or nice blouse and skirt do the trick.
    Any thoughts on how I can style the skirt so I don’t look totally ridiculous in it? I have a really good reputation with these people so even if I botch the outfit, this early in our year it won’t matter but I would really rather just get it right.
    Thank you and happy long weekend!!!!

    3. I have the same color of the Skirt and have work it with a white button down or a neutral twin set.

      1. Maybe a blue, or emerald, or brown, depending on your color. In your climate, I’d consider a turtleneck, wrap sweater with necklace, or maybe even a printed silky, soft blouse? YMMV about jackets or not. You could even do a lovely cardi with a solid tank (sleeveless or long sleeved) with a belt. Shoes could pick up the color of the top.

        I have tons of these skirts and have yet to really find anything in my closet that doesn’t work … well, maybe not a tunic, but that wouldn’t be a work item anyway.

        Best on your conference.

    5. I think I missed a post somewhere…I see lots of references in previous posts too about The Skirt, but what is The Skirt?

      1. It is the Halogen ponte knit pencil skirt (the one with the angled seaming just below the waist) at Nordstrom. Very well-loved around here . . . .

  7. This skirt could work if it was about 2 inches longer. I don’t want to look too “youthful” at the office – its bad enough that people coment on how young I am to be an attorney (I went straight through).

    1. I’m with you, Salit-a-gator. I was 22 when I finished law school and took the bar, but 23 by the time I finished my clerkship and started practicing. I always try to find the balance between dressing professionally, but not looking like I’m dressing up out of my mother’s closet. I am thankful that my present firm embraces individuality to the point of celebrating quirkiness, so I can be more youthful and occasionally eccentric here as long as I stay conservative when meeting with certain clients.

      1. I think you’re right – there is a fine line to walk in dressing professionally at this age. I went to a networking event last night and was introduced to a bunch of women by one of my clients – their first comment was that I looked too young to be an attorney! I was dressed professionally so I can’t think of what else I can do short of waiting for gray hairs and wrinkles to set in.

        ps. More power to you for being so smart and working hard to graduate early!

    2. same here – i was 24 when i started as a first year in big law. it’s a rough balance

      1. I am 24, graduated in May, and am kinda half practicing until my results come out (next week OMG WTF BBQ!!!). I was running around the courtroom getting some exhibits ready and opposing counsel asked if I was our lead counsel’s daughter. AWKWARD. Yeah, I came to watch dad and decided to wear a suit and carry the demonstratives, just for fun!

      2. i also have a unisex name, so let’s add that to the pile of random awkwardness — yes, a 26 y.o., unisex named, non-white, female third year associate. just want everyone expects to find around the office!

  8. My first thought: way way too short. That person would be told not to wear it again, and I work in a back office, no client contact

  10. I’m not familiar with this week’s guest blogger and would like to (respectfully) ask what kind of job she has. She is herself is quite pretty but all of the suggestions wouldn’t work in my office at all, and we have explicitly NO dress code. After Erin’s comment yesterday about respecting other people’s tastes, I am trying t0 communicate that I’m not slamming her and am just genuinely curious in what environment people dress like this (at fashion magazines?).

    In other news, just saw a mixed race woman/student with beautiful natural hair. Was too far away to say something, but am a total fan, and it could definitely be professional.

    1. and by “could be professional” I was just referring to the fact that she was dressed for comfort and not in business wear.

      1. Hsu’s website says “corporate marketer.” I’m not exactly sure what that is. From the brief review of pics on the website, her outfits generally are too casual and not fit for a law office (the only kind I know, really) and too young for me (over 35). Definitely cute and hip, though. I like the loafers in the most recent outfit (like the outfit, too, but could never wear that skirt)!

    2. I echo your sentiments about not “slamming” the guest blogger, but I had the same thoughts – i.e., she doesn’t really seem to be in touch with the corporate/law/traditional/conservative/etc. requirements for most of the readers here. I noticed on her blog that she argues a cropped shirt “can be done” with a high-waisted skirt. I’m sure she doesn’t mean that one would wear such a look to the office, but I wouldn’t think that a lot of ‘rettes would be rocking the cropped shirt look for any function.

    3. I respectfully agree. After doing a quick look on her blogs, she lists her profession as “Corporate marketer by day, internet junkie by night.” If you go to thehsucloset dot com and look at her outfit posts, they are super cute, but not what I would expect most women reading Corporette to wear.

    4. I subscribe to her blog – the daily obsession – more for the the eye candy than work practicality. I like her blog for what it is, but I agree, her items are very casual and not necessarily geared for this blog.

    5. Marketing and other creative professions often don’t have the dress code of lawyers and conservative professions. Today’s skirt is too short for me, and yesterday’s shoes not my style, but the rest of her picks have been things I could wear to the office.

      And I have worn short tweed skirts with opaque tights before. No one says anything, but it’s just a personal preference not to go for that at work.

  11. Khmm, all previous comments are hitting the point – this skirt is too short. My twist to the story – you can pull this off only if you work in media/ fashion.

  12. Since we all dislike the skirt, let’s do a threadjack. Anyone else having trouble figuring out to wear in the early fall weather? Mornings below 60 degrees, but daytime highs in the 70s. Am I wearing my long-sleeved sweaters? My long-sleeved dresses? I feel like I have nothing to wear — and you know it’s bad when I can’t even find inspiration at Nordstrom.com.

    1. I usually go with 3/4 sleeves. They’re warm enough for mornings in the 50s but aren’t too hot for afternoons in the high 70s.

      1. I’ve been wearing just a little more warmth (thin sweaters and pants or more blazers) with no extra jacket and a scarf or a light jacket and scarf. So far, so good, but I’m a little concerned about it getting just a little colder in the AM.

      2. Yes, layers!!! I always carry around a jacket because you never know how cold the classrooms are going to be that day.

    3. I’ve been doing short sleeves with a cardigan. And skirts with tights. FWIW, I’m always the person in the twinset and pearls, so it’s really my go-to outfit when the weather can’t make up its mind.

    4. I’ve been wearing lots of layers on top. Blazers keep me toasty in the morning but are easy to remove when it gets warm. Scarves help, too. And, I feel more seasonally-appropriate when I wear fall-ish colors or at least try to blend in some darker stuff with more summery shirts and patterns.

      Skirts are difficult. It feels weird to go bare-legged when it’s 54 degrees, but tights are way too warm in the afternoon. I’ve been wearing lightweight pants with a fall twist — like herringbone, subtle plaids, etc. I found them at Loft.

    5. This is my favorite time of the year for clothing. Layers are key. I haven’t pulled out the long-sleeved dresses but have been wearing my summery tops with cardigans or light jackets. It’s still too warm for me for tights so I’m still going bare-legged.

    6. Ok, crisis averted through a large Nordstrom order. Speaking of layers: does anyone have cardigans they like? I feel like the ones I buy start looking ragged after 6 months. Maybe that’s because they’re from Gap / BR? Or do I just need to buy new cardigans every year?

      1. May depend on how you care for them – if you machine-wash them, and especially if you throw them in the dryer, they probably won’t last. I always wear something under my cardigans, usually at least short sleeves, so I actually don’t wash them much, maybe a handwash and hang dry once in a while. I’m talking about summer-weight mostly cotton cardigans. I have some from Target that look good for at least a couple of years. Wool sweaters get dry cleaned only if they really, really need it (again, I always have an underlayer), and cashmere sweaters get handwashed and air-dried if I think about it (same underlayer practice).

        I actually think that dryers are the biggest culprits in clothes wearing out. At this point, basically anything I wear that can be seen in public gets hung dry (hanged dry?). So only underwear, socks, towels, sheets, and the occasional pair of pants that has gotten too baggy and needs to be shrunk a bit go in the dryer. Everything else either gets hung to dry on a hangar in my (admittedly large) closet, or hung on a drying rack.

      2. Agree with @PollyD. I wash and then line dry (no hanging, but lay flat). I like Target cardigans, as they’re on the cheaper-end and it’s okay if they’re ragged after a while. Boden has some good ones. Ann Taylor used to have a good selection, not sure what they have now a days.

        1. I was really annoyed by Ann Taylor’s cardigans. I bought two classic hip length cardigans there last October, washed them gently every other wearing and laid them flat to dry. Both, less than a year later, look like hell. Pilled, faded, and just not ok to wear to work. I got them on sale but still, I expected more use than that.

      3. I actually have a hand-me-down soft ribbed gray cardigan from my grandmother. I remember her wearing it when I was in elementary school, so it must be 20 years old. I believe that it came from Merry-Go-Round. I’ve worn it since high school, but it actually came back into style briefly with the longer, looser, boyfriend cut caridgans I saw last year. For classic fitted styles with the cute, round, pearlized butttons, I like LOFT, but always lay flat to dry (and fold in a drawer rather than hang) evenif it says dryer safe. I got a Kermit-the-frog green one at Target this year that is actually really nice too.

      4. Ever since I found The Skirt, I’ve explored Halogen more. I really like their 3/4 sleeve cardigans. I’m 5’2 and usually get them in the petite so the shoulder seam hits correctly. I’ve got two that I’ve worn a few times, and so far they still look good. I’ve also had good luck with cardigans and sweaters from The Limited.

      5. So I have cardigans from a bunch of stores, including stores whose sweaters commenters say fall apart for them, and mine never pill or fall apart. I wash them every 5 or 6 wearings (since I always wear something underneath a cardigan, they only get dirty if I spill or if I sweat unusually hard), always in a lingerie bag with eco-friendly gentle detergent, and I lay them flat to dry. My cardigans seem to last forever. I can’t remember the last time I threw one out. The plurality of my cardigans are probably from Loft, but I have many from Gap, AT, August Silk (via Filene’s), and some other brands, too.

        1. Gosh, I don’t understand how you ladies do it! My cardigans (mostly from AT Loft and Target–since I have terrible luck I buy the least expensive ones) look ragged after maybe 2 years. And I have to wash them every time I wear them, even if I wear sleeves underneath. I’ve tried to get away with wearing them twice before washing, but by the end of the second wear I can tell the difference. I think some of you folks are blessed by the Cardigan Gods.

    7. That’s Bay Area weather much of the year! It’s all about the layers – I usually have a cardigan, under a blazer, and sometime under an overcoat in the coldest months.

    8. This is usually the time of year when I try to get one last shot at wearing my pretty silk shells with a cardigan or a blazer over them. If it gets too warm later in the day I just take off the cardigan/blazer. It helps that my shells all have at least cap sleeves or short sleeves.

    9. I usually go with layers. If I want to wear, say, a short sleeved shirt with a blazer, I sometimes put a thin cardigan on under the blazer to take off later. (It works if the blazer is buttoned and you turn down the placket area of the cardi.)

  13. Another threadjack- Am I the only one really wary of getting involved with groups specifically directed to women? I ended up leaving my prior, female-dominated career because I really hated the work dynamics, and as a result I now try to stick to activities that are coed. Some may be primarily women, but somehow that still seems better to me than women-only environments.

    1. I think homogeneity of any kind can be a problem. I have basically no female peers or mentors at work–dudes on all sides of me–and I hate it. I also feel like it’s a real career setback for me, for various reasons. So I long for a coed work environment, but also, on my off-hours, I’m desperate for female company. An all-female group sounds great! I guess it totally depends on your situation.

      1. I agree that it depends on your situation. Not sure what industry the OP works in, but when I was on Wall Street i found the women’s groups extremely valuable, precisely because women on Wall Street were and still are pretty rare. I’m now in media, but I still find the women’s groups helpful because the group that i’m in doesn’t have a lot of women either.

        And it also depends on the *kind* of women’s group .. some, I understand, are nothing more than formalized vent-about-the-men sessions … others are much more constructive and productive. So i wouldn’t paint them all with the same brush.

    2. From a marketing perspective, I found nothing worthwhile in the local chapter of a women’s group in a particular industry that I serve. It seems to me that women who have the authority to make decisions and hire professionas/consultants/other vendors stick with coed, mainstream organizations. The women I met in that group were awesome on a personal level and I really enjoyed time with them, but there was no way I was ever going to get any business from middle management or lower ranked members of an organization.

    3. There are definitely pluses and minuses, but I agree that it’s something that I usually avoid. For me, the pluses are that they are usually smaller and closer-knit- women generally feel closer to you if you are in a group together, as opposed to men, IMO. But, to me, the minuses are pretty bad- I really hate the whole touchy-feely, inspirational stuff that a lot of women’s groups seem to focus on (not a knock if you do, it just doesn’t suit my personality), and a lot of them seem to focus on complaining about men, which, again, not really to my taste. I also sometimes get frustrated if it all revolves around children, family, work-life balance type stuff (right now, my balance is too much life!), that sort of thing. I’d be more inclined to some sort of “tough” women’s group, but don’t see too many of those. Maybe I should start one.

      I’m not at all a tomboy, but Corporette’s pretty much the only thing that I really like that is specifically geared towards women.

    4. I’ll echo the comments above. I feel like they have a place when women are traditionally under-represented and they serve a purpose. It can be nice to make connections with other women while supporting middle and high school girls interested in math and statistics, for example. But I find they are commonly either (a) purposeless or (b) nothing more than bitching sessions about men and excuse-making. I don’t find either appealing, and I actually think participation in a particularly whiny group can look bad.

  14. I think it could be fun to have someone post General Principles Of Dressing For Corporate Marketing Jobs:).

    2. And how a corporate marketing job at say a techie start up firm is different than working in corporate marketing at a bank or law firm? I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum and they are vastly different in terms of “acceptable” business wear.

    3. I would be excited to see this. We “high achieving chicks” work in other fields aside from law.

      2. That would be great, especially because Kat has been bringing in guest posters recently.

      3. As long as the lawyers, bankers and others don’t get too judgy of the requirements for “crawl around on the floor” professions (off the top of my head: IT, scientific research, medicine, some start-ups). When a lawyer comments that pants are “ugly, cheap, and unlined,” I think: “sweet! It’s machine washable!”

    4. I agree! My wardrobe is conservative law-firm, my job is marketing/quasi-law. While it’s not a bad thing that I can really ONLY dress up for work (my boss commended me on how he knows he can take me anywhere to meet anyone because I’ll be appropriately dressed), I’d still like to jazz it up a bit because I can.

      Example: I have a few (3) pairs of heels that I keep behind my desk. I get teased about the “shoe store” that I’m running out of the office. Now, there is only one other woman in the office, but still…

    1. That’s gorgeous! For what it’s worth, I think the chocolate brown it’s styled with in the website picture looks great.

    2. Beautiful color and classic dress – I’m jealous of this one! Here’s what I would wear with it to the office: any browns especially a brown tweed jacket, dark red / maroon, and any shade of gray. For a bolder look I think dark yellow / orange would be fun, and a pink / purple fushia might work as well.

    4. I might try it with a textured winter white/ivory cardigan (something like angora). I always like tan and white together in the winter.

      1. Ohhhhh want. I’d try navy (but then again, I wear navy with everything) and gold accents.

        1. I also wear navy with everything and think it would be lovely with this dress.

    5. Thanks for all the tips! I am most intrigued by the brown herringbone blazer idea, so that is on my shopping list. I would also want a plum blazer, but those might be harder to find and less versatile.

    6. Holy cow. That is one GORGEOUS dress. Want.

      (I am way out of my league vs. others’ comments on styling, but I think this would look beautiful with charcoal grey. I also love the shoes it’s styled with on the site.)

    7. I LOVE the neckline detail. I would not put a sweater or jacket over this dress because the most unique part of the dress would be covered. You could do a pashmina, maybe. I like how they’ve styled it, and I’d also like it with cream accessories. I’d probably wear it with nude hose, cognac pumps, and a cream shawl and/or bag.

  16. Agree with the other posters about this skirt. As someone who’s already petite and risks looking young, this is a no for me.

    On a side note, wanted to share my shoe find with everyone. Received these purple suede pumps in the mail last night: http://www.6pm.com/you-by-crocs-emmilou-purple

    LOVE. They’re so comfy, and the purple is actually a much brighter, purpley purple than on the site. I’ve never in my life purchased crocs and got these pumps on a whim to fill the purple pump void in my wardrobe. Couldn’t be happier with price or style. Comfy/tts and pretty. Yay! :)

    1. Wow – those are Crocs, as in the plastic clogs that make people look like they have hooves? But these are real leather? I am super-intrigued. I am currently wearing a pair of Dr. Scholl’s slingbacks I got this summer and they are so comfortable but look like regular shoes. I did not know that normal-looking Crocs existed.

      I’ve been on quite the shoe-bender this month but may need to check out this brand.

      1. I know! I was shocked, too. But they’re super comfy and the suede seems like nice quality…

        1. I bought some crocs heels a while back and had the same experience – super cute, and actually pretty comfy. The sole is kind of springy.

    2. Those shoes are super cute! I totally love 6pm. I get the greatest deals on shoes from that site; I almost dread receiving their daily emails because I know I’m bound to fall in love with something.

    3. You by Crocs is amaaazing, I’ve been saying so on this board for ages :) Those are a really awesome looking shoe- good for you!

  17. I’m in marketing, but I agree that this skirt is too short. I’m young and athletic, but I’m also pretty conservative, so a mid-thigh skirt wouldn’t fly, even on the weekends.
    Re: corporate marketing jobs, the dress code is definitely looser than in law, finance, or consulting. However, I think “looser” applies more to use of color, accessories, and styling, but not “unprofessional”. ie: you can wear skirt + blazer that compliment vs. full suit, khakis and a sweater, statement necklace vs. strand of pearls, etc. I still think heel height, hem length, and the general feel of “professional” applies (ie: to me, a maxi dress can be cute and conservative, but the style is just not appropriate for the office).
    Granted, there are few women in my office, and not all dress in “professional” clothes. Being in marketing does not give you license to be unprofessional, and I think there’s a mix of weekend looks and corporate look’s on Hsu’s site. To Lisa’s comment about general principles on dressing for corporate marketing jobs, I’d almost say you should try to dress MORE professional, depending on the environment. All of my colleagues are technical (and mostly male), I’m the only “creative” in the office. Add to that my age and gender, and I’m already fighting for my credibility. I can’t afford to show up in crazy colors or “questionable” fashion, and I know that my professional dress has helped me in my job.
    All that to say: this skirt is still a “no” for the office, no matter your profession.

  18. Ladies, I’m so frustrated right now, I want to cry. I’m trying to figure out how to tailor a suit for my frame: large bust and narrow shoulders.

    I found a simple black, versatile suit I really liked at Ann Taylor, bought it to fit my largest area (my bust), and then took it to the tailor. Hemming the pants: no problem. Shortening the sleeves: no problem. Taking in the shoulders: BIG problem. The tailor told me essentially that there is such a mismatch between the size I need for my bust (14) and the size I need for my shoulders (4/6), that taking in the shoulders to such an extreme would ruin the shape of the jacket elsewhere. She spent a lot of time explaining to me why this would happen, and it seemed reasonable. It would cost $150 for those alterations and still look “bad” she said, so she wouldn’t take the money.

    She agreed with me that the sizing was correct across my bust. So what am I to do? According to her, I am just going to have this problem with every suit jacket ever. My best chance, she says, is to be careful to never buy suits with strong shoulder lines or in light colors to minimize the shoulder problem. To buy jackets with only one button to give myself more room in the bust so I can size down where possible (though never to a 4/6!). And then to just wear my suits too big in the shoulders.

    Is she right? I’ve used her before a number of times for other types of alternations, and all the women at work use her and like her. She seems very knowledgeable and to do a great job. But if she’s right, what am I going to do? I feel like a linebacker.

    1. ETA: This is not the first jacket I’ve bought, but it has been an ongoing problem for me. It’s always been a little rough to fit me, but seems to have gotten worse (and likely will continue to get worse) because (a) my breasts continuing to get larger, exacerbating the problem, and (b) I’ve reached a point in my career/life where the slightly ill-fitting suits that I used to make do with just won’t cut it anymore.

      1. I have this same problem but, luckily, don’t need to wear suits very often so I can avoid them 99% of the time.

        1. I’m interested in responses to this. I have had the same strategy as AnonOne so far — I own one nice suit, which I lucked upon in Nordstrom five years ago, that closes with a little ball-and-chains clasp rather than a button, meaning that there was a lot more room in the bust in a smaller size that’s better for my shoulders. I’ve worn the suit literally to death. Can’t figure out how to replace it, and I live in fear of needing to interview or being asked to attend court/client meetings because I have, literally, no options anywhere.

        2. I have the same figure and thankfully can avoid wearing suits. I have a handful of carefully screened jackets that I typically wear unbuttoned. I buy them to fit my shoulders. One has a banded waist, which seems to work better, since it allows for more generous pleating and princess seams in the bust. I also find ones that are straight at the opening (ie, not angled lapels that meet under the bust) more flattering since they don’t look like they are going to explode. My bust alone creates a bit of an angle, if that makes sense. Other than that, I’m a cardigan girl.

          If I had to wear a suit regularly, I would get it custom made.

        1. Original Anon here. It’s okay, I don’t mind answering. I had a breast reduction surgery when I was 24 (due to many reasons, including prominently the difficulty of finding professional clothes and related self esteem reasons). Turns out maybe that was too young, and my breasts are “growing back in” — unfortunately, that happens to some people. Plus, I’ve put on some weight as I’ve gotten older, which of course has changed my breast size without changing my shoulder width.

          While on the subject of talking about my reduction surgery, I’ll jack my own threadjack to add that getting reduction was the best thing I have ever done myself. It was worth every penny even though it appears not to have “stuck” on me. I would pay those thousands again (even knowing what I know now) to have been so comfortable with myself the last six years. And because I can only imagine what the situation would be if I’d never reduced at all. :)

          1. I am also narrow-figured and of breast, but obviously not to your extent. From what I’ve heard about breast reduction surgery, everyone who’s had it agrees with you – it improved their quality of life so much. Sorry it didn’t take. Is it possible that if you get it in the future it’ll “stick” better?

            Also, this may be obvious, but have you tried minimizer bras or sports bras? I used to have a great sports bra (with two cups, so no uni-boob) that I love and gave me a much more manageable shape.

          2. Whoa. I had breast reduction surgery at 18 and mine definitely grew back in, but I thought that was solely because I gained weight as I got older, I had no idea that was actually something that happened!? Clearly, I was too young, as I don’t even remember anything about it other than the recovery and the blessed relief for a few years being able to wear C and D cups rather than the ill-fitting DDD (that should really be E/F but I HATE those size bras because they’re so ugly!!) that I had worn before then and have to wear now.

            I learned something today! :-)

      3. I also have narrow shoulders, and have a heck of a time finding blazers or coats that fit/flatter. Have you tried jackets with a swing fit? That might help. Talbot’s has a brush-back wool swing jacket right now that might work? It’s not a suit, but you could give it a try to see if that’s a style that might work for you. Other thoughts are to look for jackets with a lot of stretch in them (e.g. Loft scuba fabric), and fabrics that are drapey, not stiff. My one suit that fits well was a Talbot’s suit in a somewhat stretchy, thin fabric (crepe???). You can also take a look at youlookfab.com – she has some tips on fitting different body types. Hope this helps!

      1. I would agree. The shoulders are the hardest alteration to do. When he started working, my brother had a build that also required custom suits. It is pricey, but will be worth it.

      2. Also, maybe work with a personal shopper at Nordstrom’s or some other department store? They may be able to point you to brands that are cut better for you, or offer jacket-alternatives.

        This does sound like a tricky problem. Hmm, you are probably well-versed in the art of the proper bra (my sister is a larger-bosomed lady and I know she is careful to make sure she has the right bra), but I am wondering if maybe a bra fitting might help line things up better? Please ignore this if you have recently had a bra fitting, it just popped into my head.

      3. This was going to be my suggestion, too. Rather than pay a good bit of money to end up with something that won’t look right, why not go all the way and get a custom made jacket? If you have a couple of suits that really fit you and are high quality, they should last you a really long time and you won’t be spending money on things that are just “okay” or “close enough” (for me, I know that I can actually spend more on 4 or 5 pieces over time at a “good price” that aren’t really perfect than if I just sucked it up in the first place and paid for what I was actually needing/wanting).

      4. Original Anon here (will have to come up with a real moniker next time). I once tried pricing out having a suit made from scratch, and I couldn’t find any local tailors who would do a bespoke woman’s suit (I’m in DC). If anyone has suggestions, they would be appreciated. I could even travel to NYC for the purpose, I guess.

        1. In a perfect world, you could make a vacation out of it. Spend a week or two in China or Thailand; the cost savings for bespoke suiting there would more than cover your airfare and hotel.

          ;)

          2. This. I’m shooting myself in the foot for not getting more clothes made when I was in China. I would go back, just to have a brand new wardrobe made, just for me.

            But in all honestly, I think you need a seamstress (not a tailor). I’m in DC and unfortunately can’t recommend anyone. If you find someone though, please let me know as I would love to get clothes made!

        2. Do you travel to Asia at all? You can get a suit made in Hong Kong in a couple of days, for a discount store price.
          I have also heard of tailors, also located in Asia, that make clothes remotely, by measurement and photos only (someone had a wedding dress made in such a manner!), but considering your “difficult” figure this would be too risky. These can be found on eBay.
          The WashPost used to have a fashion chat and I believe there still is a section, or affiliated site, that deals with beauty, fashion and shopping. I recommend emailing columnists there for local advice; same with NYT.

          1. A couple of those tailors come to NY/DC/SF once or twice a year, do fittings here, and then have the work done in Asia. That might be a less pricey compromise.

          2. This is a wonderful idea and I am interested in the comment below by Corporate Tool about tailors coming to the States. How do you get more info on when/where/pricing/etc? I’d love to give this a whirl!

            Anyone else have advice on affordable bespoke suiting options?

        3. Maybe try asking some of your male colleagues. Some of the guys I work with have a Hong Kong tailor. He comes to the city once or twice a year to take measurements then makes the stuff back in HK and ships it. I would imagine that guys in DC may do the same, particuarly since so many places in DC are still business formal.

    3. I have no words of wisdom, but that does sound very frustrating. Is it possible to find a brand that sells to fuller-busted ladies?

      Or just reconcile yourself to the fact that you won’t be able to button you jacket . . . if you are OK with not buttoning, maybe you can buy an 8 or a 10 and get that taken in?

      1. Not buttoning — this is the other thing I do. I buy all my blazers in a couple of sizes too small in the bust, knowing that I will never button them. Have a few cheaper suits I’ve done this with, too. But I feel really uncomfortable not being able to button for a client meeting or court!

        1. I would think that most people wouldn’t notice if you were buttoned or not. Women have a lot more leeway with suiting in general, and I would be truly shocked if anyone noticed a woman (or a man, really) didn’t button their suit.

          If you are conscious of it, maybe wear a dress-suit (jacket + dress). That might make the lack of buttoning less obvious because you’ll be clad in all one material. Although, I suppose your issue might make it hard to find dresses that fit properly…

        2. I literally never button. I have one jacket that I could button (but looks terrible when I do). But although I’m an attorney, it’s a pretty casual firm and my clients are VERY blue collar (as in, the one attorney who got his suits tailored, (and it showed, he looked fantastic!) was rejected by the clients for being too “frou-frou.”)

    4. Can’t help but empathize coming from an other direction: I have the shoulder to waist ratio like Michael Phelps. But I’m pretty chesty relative to my overall size. Suit shopping sucks. My bf’s childhood friend works at Escada doing pattern design so I’m going to steal her and ask if it’s even feasible to take a jacket that fits in the shoulders in everywhere else…

      1. If you do talk to her, post and let us know what you find out. I bet a lot of people would be interested in learning more about jacket alterations!

      2. Two of my male attorney friends have an upper-body shape closer to this (V) and they have an easier time getting their suit jackets tailored to fit than the OP with the reverse issue. Of course they don’t have the bust issue to contend with! But my impression is that it is far more straightforward for a tailor to take in the sides of a jacket that has shoulders that fit the wearer than to narrow the shoulders at all.

    5. Your tailor was right about the alterations. A couple thoughts. Look into knit suits since they’ll have more stretch in the bust area. St. John’s suits are beautiful but expensive. You can find them cheaper at last call and St. John’s outlets. I just bought this Tahari jacket at last call and it is very stretchy: http://www.lastcall.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod4480187&eItemId=prod4480187&cmCat=search&searchType=SEARCH&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FNtt%253Dtahari%2526_requestid%253D7580%2526N%253D4294967283
      There’s also a coordinating dress, skirt and pants. Also consider suits with jackets that are meant to be worn open or have tie-waists.

      1. This. I have a similar problem and usually wear suit jackets open. You may find more of the nehru-collar jackets more forgiving in being open. There are ways to take in the shoulders; perhaps it has to do with where the seams are in the jacket. I’ve had nearly all my jackets taken in – waists, sleeves, and shoulders.

        I have recently gotten two “motorcycle” jackets that zip diagonally from Talb*ts…I can zip them up to the breasts and the flap (?) of the jacket falls nicely away from the zipper line that goes up toward the shoulder. Seems so far to be another alternative.

        I second jackets that are made of sweater materials, although alterations might be difficult on those too.

        JonesNY does some suiting in stretchy material. I got two in late summer, one grey/blue pattern and the other a more of a black/white grid. Sadly, their weight doesn’t translate well into fall/winter closets. They were very EASY to take in, and didn’t need as much tailoring in the first place. Both are designed with a hook and clasp at the neckline, so I don’t know if that would be appropriate in your office. Got them on huge sale at Macy*s.

        Kudos and hugs on you really having a positive attitude!

    6. Original Anon here. Thanks so much to everyone for the comments and suggestions. Its nice to have it confirmed that my tailor was correct, so I know what I’m up against. Also good to see all the suggestions, some of which I had considered and some that I hadn’t thought of before (like the dress suit, swing jacket, and knit jacket ideas). It makes me feel markedly less desperate and depressed. I think the take-home lesson is that I am never going to be one of those people who can just buy a suit when I need one, but that I should instead probably be constantly on the lookout for something that might work (due to all the tricks everyone mentioned!) and stock up when I can.

      1. LOFT just rolled out some new sweater jackets and at LOFT, you’re never more than 3 days from a decent sale. They have several without any buttons or closures at all. The Harvest Tweed one was mentioned on here a few weeks ago and it is styled on the website as closed with a ribbon tie and the buttons left undone. It has a different collar too and looks like it might leave you some extra room in the bust. Good luck shopping!

    7. I have to chime in to say I have a similar problem – though sadly, it’s not my bust that’s too large; it’s my waist. I’m apple-y, and of course, it seems that ALL the cute suits out there are intended to nip in at the waist. They say, buy to fit your largest spot, then tailor, but when I bought a jacket a size up to fit around the waist, I had the same issue with a tailor who refused to do anything to the shoulders. So if I wear this jacket, I look kind of like I’m rocking the 80s shoulder pads. It definitely sucks.

      For larger sizes, women’s/plus sizing can work because they’re cut for a different shape – I ended up lucking out that Talbots’ women’s sizes will fit my waist AND shoulders, so I have one suit I feel comfortable buttoning (otherwise I just don’t button jackets. Or suck in all day). Unfortunately this only helps if you’re a 12 or so and up, so not helpful for your 4/6 sized shoulders. But I wanted to say that I feel for you – I’ve decided that suits suck!

  19. *threadjack*

    I have been sick for DAYS… all week. Horrible chest cold. I haven’t seen a doctor yet but I’ve been sleeping for 11-14 hours almost each night. And it still won’t go away!!

    Suggestions??

    2. Eat, warm bath, drink lots of water, Thermaflu and if you can’t get to the Dr. get to an express clinic for a Z-pac (if the cough is that bad).

    3. I was super tired and cough-y for 5 days then finally went to MD and had penumonia. Got anitbiotics and it really helped. Still took 2 full months and TONS of rest to get better, but it did not start till I went in. I knew something was off because I was just SO tired it did not feel like a normal cold.

    4. Get thee to a doctor and get some strong cough syrup. I have experience with promethazine+codeine. The promethazine is an anti-histamine and codeine makes sure I get enough good sleep.

    5. I’ve had a cold for a couple of weeks (but that’s a normal cold-span for me – if it’s weird for you, I agree that a doctor’s visit could be in order). Zicam tablets help SO much in making the symptoms manageable. I’ve been doing Zicam by day and Nyquil by night, and an occasional smoothie drink thing (I forget what it’s called – I think it’s Naked brand, the one with 2000% RDA of vitamin C). The change in weather always makes for a bad cold – I hope you get to feeling better soon!

      1. Same here — that’s not out of the norm for me, especially if it’s a chest cold, as I find that they linger more. What helps is daily or twice-daily neti-potting, hot showers where I deeply inhale lots of steam, lots of extra fluids — especially hot tea, and tea with lemon and honey, and no dairy or anything else that might cause me to produce more mucus. I make sure to get plenty of rest, up my vitamin c and vitamin d, and cut back on the sugar.

  20. HELP! Today I am wearing a beautiful pair of brown suede 3.5″ cole haan pumps. I am a first year associate and just started a month ago. The partner I am working for (male) looked at my feet and said (in a humorous tone, but still): “If you want to kick ass, we need to get you new shoes for the office.”

    To which I responded (in an equally jovial tone): “I can kick ass in any shoes!”

    …thoughts?! should I not wear these shoes anymore? I was always under the impression that 3.5″ heels (on my very short legs) were acceptable.

    or maybe i should just stop worrying about shoes and get to work.

    1. That partner was rude. But, as a first-year, you may want to consider getting a lower-heeled pair based on his comment.

    2. Don’t sweat it. Those shoes sound great. Sometimes partners (especially older, male partners) don’t get fashion at all. When I was a junior associate, I mentioned to a partner that I was a third year associate. He said, “Not in those boots you aren’t.” I was wearing 3 inch heel black knee high boots. When he left the room, the other partner I worked with said, “You dress fine. If there was something wrong with how you are dressing, I would have told you.”

    3. or it was a joke that went over your head. don’t take it too seriously. i work for an older very conservative dressing partner. he often remarks on my choice of attire (especially one particular time i was wearing barbie pink kitten heels with navy pinstriped trousers), i know i’m always appropriate but it would sometimes make me nervous.
      but then i met his wife — turns out she and i have near identical taste in clothing and shop at the same places, and have many of the same clothing items. i now realize he was just messing with me about my satorical choices, much in the same way he messes with his wife.

        1. I love pink shoes. I have a pair of mauve patent flats that make it into the rotation when I don’t feel like wearing heels. I’ve been afraid to get pink heels for work because of the legally blonde factor, but kitten heels might be a good compromise.

          1. i’m a curly headed brunette and generally dress very conservatively/preppy, i don’t think i risk the legally blonde factor

    4. Are you sure he was commenting on the heel height? 3.5″ sounds perfectly fine to me. Maybe he didn’t realize they were suede and so he thought the slight difference in color was wear and tear rather than the fabric.

    5. I attribute it to weird male partner humor. There’s more of it than you think.

      I also love pink heels. Such a nice pop of color on a blah day.

    6. One of the older partners at my firm asked why everyone was dressing like they were going to the royal wedding, I was wearing a black and white print faux-wrap dress with long sleeves, plain cami underneath, low heel black pumps. I was completely professional. I chose to take it as a compliment, even though he sounded exasperated.

    7. Next time you go somewhere with him, mention that you’re wearing your ass-kicking shoes just for him.

    8. Sole voice from the other side — 3.5 inches are far too high in my casual Southern office. They would mean cocktail party, not work.

      See what other female attorneys your age as well as older women partners are wearing, and dress accordingly. What works in one office does not work in all offices, as has been so aptly put already today.

      I could not possibly hunt in a file for medical records, walk up and down the stairs in my office teh 15 or 20 times a day I do, or do many of the other more physical requirements of my job in 3.5 inch heels. If you can, more power to you. Even so, if your partner thinks not, I would have second thoughts, particularly as a 1 month employee. You might put those shoes away for another year or two, until you have built up some credibility.

      No offense intended, I agree that in some offices 3.5 inch heels are acceptable.

  21. PSA: the 40% off everything in the store Ann Taylor sale this weekend works at the Ann Taylor factory/outlet store too. Already steeply discounted + 40% off = almost free. I picked up 2 pair of “perfect” pumps yesterday for less than $60 each. Yay for shoe and belt shopping while pregnant.

    1. Sadly, as my pregnancy belly expands, my shoe shopping budget has expanded in equal proportion. Next up? Necklaces and earrings!

    2. Are you worried about your feet changing size at all?

      At nearly the halfway point, I’ve already got two pairs of pumps that no longer fit (they were on the tight side, but manageable, to begin with – and of course, it’s a pair of Cole Haan’s and a [new!] pair of Stuart Weitzman’s. My Target wedges still fit fine!) I’m so hoping that my feet go back to their normal size!

      1. Oh no – that isn’t just an old wives tale? I’m 18weeks along and so far my shoe size hasn’t changed but I live in constant fear that my entire shoe closet may not fit any longer after the baby.

        3. My mother’s feet went up a size and never went back. Of course, I’m a twin, but I think together my brother and I were about the weight of a normal baby, so… sorry, it can stick.

        4. It’s very real. You can change size permanently in your feet, chest, hips…

          BUT, I’m halfway through my second pregnancy and am still very comfy in my original size shoe. Hips, not so much ;)

      2. I’m 20 weeks, so admittedly I have a ways to go in the “growth” department but so far my feet haven’t changed at all that I’ve noticed. My feet are pretty firmly in between two sizes and I often buy the larger size up and just put inserts into my shoes, so *hopefully* even if my feet do grow some, I won’t be SOL.

      3. This is my 4th kiddo and my feet have never changed at all. Once when I was due at the end of summer I had a bit of water retention in my feet and legs at the very end, but it was temporary. So I figure I’m safe, but I know experiences vary.

        So, Bursting out, its possible swelling is responsible for your shoe woes and your feet may go back to normal after pregnancy.

        1. I hope you’re right! It kills me that my two nicest pairs of shoes don’t fit. The Cole Haan’s were my go to black work shoe. Now I’m looking everywhere for a cheap, comfortable (lots of walking at the conf.) replacement for some conferences coming up (the You for Crocs upthread look good, but my size is gone.) Recommendations welcome!

          I don’t think I’m much swollen – 19 weeks, and today I’m wearing ‘regular’, albeit loose, clothes. The point below about high arches seems relevant. I need to look into some arch supports. I love the wisdom here!

      4. Unfortunately not an old-wives tale! My feet stayed the same with my first two pregnancies. But with my third, my feet went up a size and have stayed that way. Had to replace EVERY. LAST. SHOE. Aarrgghh!!

        1. Yep. After baby 3 I finally had my feet measured–size 8. No wonder my size 6 1/2 shoes were killing me!

      5. If you have high arches, it is more likely that your feet will grow during pregnancy. The relaxin in your body can cause your arches to fall. See about getting custom arch supports to wear during pregnancy, especially when the relaxin levels are at their highest.

    3. Use coupon code “51100001016” for an EXTRA 30% off your already discounted purchase – this is stackeable with the 40% off code. I think it only works on items that are originally full priced (not sale + 40% off) and you may need to have over $100 worth of stuff in your cart, but it worked for me yesterday!

      1. Thanks for sharing. It does not work on sale items but took an extra $160 off my order.

  22. Another threadjack: Yom Kippur “fashion” — what is everyone wearing? I’ll start:

    Tonight: black skirt, black sleeveless roundneck sweater, black/grey/white tweed-ish jacket (recently purchased on sale from BR and it goes with everything), black low slingbacks.

    Tomorrow: black wrap jersey dress (not deep V, bracelet length sleeves), black patent mid-height pumps, green jade earrings.

    Anyone else?

    PS: I know I’m violating the “wear white at the New Year” rule/custom. Raised Reform, practicing Reconstructionist.

    1. Oh thank goodness. I’m going to my first Kol Nidre (not Jewish yet; never been to an organized religion event of any kind) and I have *absolutely no idea* what is appropriate attire. The SO, being the typical guy, said “not jeans.” Thanks, honey. The custom is to wear white?? Or are we supposed to wear black since it’s a somber holiday?? Are pants ok? Dresses are ok? Please be specific about what is and isn’t ok because I seriously have no guidance. Reform temple, if that matters.

      1. What kind of a temple is it: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Other? Tip: if you will be sitting with the girls, and SO with the boys, that is Orthodox and you need to wear long sleeves, a long-ish skirt (no pants) and show no decolletage. In this kind of a synagogue, there may also be a basket at the door of little lace doilies for you to bobby pin on your head. Do it or not, as you like. Also, do you walk to services? If so, wear comfy shoes :)

        You might call his mom or sister and ask what they’re wearing?

        You can never go wrong with a knee-length skirt and a long-sleeved top.

        The custom of white is to be fresh and clean for the New Year (at least, that’s what I was taught as a kidlet).

          1. My secret sauce is to drink powerade before the fast. Drink 1, or 2 if you can space another throughout the day, and you’ll feel much better the next day.

      2. Steer away from pants (a cousin’s girlfriend once wore pants to services like 7 years ago and we STILL talk about it). Make sure your shoulders are covered. No cleavage. Skirt should at least approach knee-length, if not coming to your knees or even covering your knees. A work-appropriate dress or a skirt-and-sweater combination is perfect.

        The custom is to not wear leather shoes, so you can wear canvas sneakers if you’d like. If you’d prefer leather shoes, then wear leather shoes – people will be in both. There is a lot of standing involved so make sure you are comfortable in your shoes.

        There is a custom to wear white but it’s like the non-leather shoes: some people will, some won’t.

        Note that the doilies Missy references below are for married women. If you’re not married (which I assume you’re not) and you pin a doily to your head, you will look like you have no idea what’s going on.

      3. I think pants are fine for reform, but dressy. You are basically going for the conservative level of office attire (no skin, especially no cleavage), but more fun. Do bring a sweater/pashmina – the a/c is often on overdrive.

        Resist the urge to eat a large meal tonight if you’re fasting tomorrow. You want to avoid expanding your stomach. Small dinner tonight and then stay busy tomorrow between services so you don’t think about being hungry. If you aren’t fasting, that’s totally fine; just don’t eat in front of people who are.

        I’m going to (reform) temple in a round neck, long sleeved black jersey dress with studs around the waist tonight, then black tights, black booties, black/white patterned sheath, and a long drapey black sweater tomorrow. And I’m dressing up the husband because I happen to go to the same temple as my most significant ex and his girlfriend. (There’s no issue, I just like team me to look more awesome than team them.)

      4. I just saw that you said Reform. I generally agree with R in Boston, but I would steer clear of pants. 

  23. So I had good news and bad news today. The good news is my car repairs are not more than Monday’s splurge dress. Apparently, they thought my car was AWD. Since it’s not, the repair is $1000 less.

    The bad news is I didn’t get the job.

    1. Been following your saga – sucks about the job, really. If I were you, I’d take the $1000 “savings” and blow some of it on a massage/facial/pedicure at some fancy spa. Just give yourself a few hours of indulgence.

      Hoping other opportunities come through for you, or you find a way to improve the situation in your current job.

    2. Oh Bunkster, I’m so sorry! Keep pushing and I’m sure you’ll be able to find a new job and get out of your current one. I wish I could take you out for a drink!

    4. Ugh I’m sorry. That’s rough. Good thing it is Friday and hopefully you can relax this weekend!

    5. Bummer Bunkster! Take care of yourself this weekend — some US Weekly, some wine, a new comfy cashmere sweater.

    7. Bunkster – I’m so sorry! Thanks for the update and I hope something else comes along soon!!

    8. Bunkster, so sorry to hear. Agree with the other ladies, take a “me” weekend, have some wine, indulge in a little retail therapy.

    9. Sorry to hear that, Bunkster. We’re all pulling for you and hope something even better will come along soon.

    10. Bunkster, I’m sorry. I know that you *will* get a new job, and I think I was with everyone else in hoping this was it. If this isn’t it, I wonder how terrific the new job you *will* get will be…

      1. This!

        Bunkster, something good will come! For now, keep your head up. I know it’s hard.

    13. Yay for the car repair lower cost. Boo on not getting the job!!

      I understand what you’re going through. It is so sucky to have no success at finding a job when the one you have sucks. Take care of yourself, and find a friend (or even your mom!) to vent to.

      It took me quite a while to find another job while working for a similarly awful boss. I went on several interviews, and rounds of tests and oral board exams (for government positions) for jobs I didn’t get. I was crazy disappointed after each “lost” job too. Eventually, the right job came along and I am so happy at my new company. You’ll find an even better job!

    14. So sorry, Bunkster. +1000 points for getting as far as you did. Don’t get down; go strong for the next one!

  24. I saw a woman yesterday wearing a charcoal, fine cable-knit, boatneck sweater yesterday – I think it had 3/4 sleeves. Has anyone seen such a sweater for sale anywhere recently? I checked the Talbots, Eddie Bauer, and Brooks Bros websites and did a Google search, and don’t find anything. She was wearing it with a black pencil skirt and black tights and it looked sleek and perfect for an October day in San Francisco. Thank you!

    PS – My Google search did turn up this outfit – I love it for a fall weekend or even casual Friday in some offices: http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ShowCollectionOrdering?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&subrnd=1&categoryId=505941&outfitId=509342

      1. Bonnie – not quite what I was looking for, but very pretty – especially the one from Amazon, which looks like it has a nice drape and flattering shape. I just might have to give that one a try. Thank you!

  25. I have to delurk to say: I’m a bit fed-up with most clothing retailers.

    I certainly won’t slam the person for recommending this skirt (as some workplaces are OK with this skirt-length, while others are not, so YMMV), and maybe she has picked out a top that works with this type of skirt but I am slamming retailers for making impractical stuff that’s hard-to-wear. LIKE THIS SKIRT.

    There are pretty much only 3 types of skirts that retailers are selling, and most are not appropriate for the office:
    1) Pencil Skirts that are unflattering for pear-shaped folks. It’s basically wearing a neon sign saying: “Hi! Here’s my butt! Here’s my butt! Here’s my butt!”

    2)A-Line Skirts that are just like this one– too short for many workplaces, and with a low-slung waistband that makes finding an appropriate top difficult. It’s hard to find the right length of shirt to go with the low-slung waistband of this skirt. Some shirts are too short, and lifting your arms will bare your midsection. Other shirts are too long and if they’re fitted, then, you’ll have to cram the waistband of this skirt under the shirt, which is bunchy looking. (On product pages, retailers often photoshop this bunchiness out, which is misleading, of course.) Tucking too-long shirts under a pouffy A-line will sometimes make you look like you’re trying to wear a tutu– also potentially bunchy.

    3)Maxi-Skirts that make one look like someone from the Occupy Wall Street protests. Fine for casual-wear, not fine for the office.

    Thanks for listening to me vent!

    1. I walked by Ann Taylor Loft the other day and saw a display full of beautiful tweed skirts with some interesting colors and textures. Only problem was the mid-thigh hemlines. Sigh.

      1. I saw those, too! I even, against my better judgment, went in to try some of them on. Loved the fit and shape of the “Piped-A-Line-Skirt-in-Harvest-Tweed” but the piping (pocket shapes) were just kinda tacky and jarring, so I didn’t buy. *le sigh*

    2. I feel the same way about shirts recently! Either too low cut, totally sheer, or sleeveless. Why isn’t anyone making a shirt that is wear-and-go?! I love the layering look, but sometimes I just want a simple wearable blouse to grab quickly as I run out of the house in the morning!

      1. this is why all of my usual price caps go out the door if I find (1) a short sleeve, non-sheer, non-low cut blouse in natural fabrics, (2) sleeved dressed with high necklines.

        in related news, i recently bought miss oops boob tubes on hautelook, they haven’t come in yet but excited about eliminating tank tops under my v-neck sweaters and shirts. anyone have luck with this product?

        1. kng, I am with you. Have you found any recently? I went in AT Thursday and did not see a single short-sleeved top.

    3. Thank you for making me laugh at “Hi! Here’s my butt! Here’s my butt! Here’s my butt!” And yes, I agree completely.

      1. This!

        I was beginning to think the skirt thing was all in my head. I’m so relived you posted this! Why is it so hard to find the kind of skirt that so many people need?

        1. I think that’s why The Skirt is so popular on here. It’s actually great for pear-shaped women and is plenty long enough for most women.

      2. In my mind, it’s a flashing neon sign that lights up one word at a time, gradually becoming the full sentence: “Here’s….Here’s my….. Here’s my BUTT!”

    4. Agreed. I’d also like to bemoan the lowered quality of many of my “go-to” work-wear stores. When I do buy something at a Jcrew, Ann Taylor, Banana, etc. I ‘d appreciate being able to wear it more than a year!

      1. I so agree. I used to really like Ann Taylor’s black triacetate suit separates – I bought a couple of pieces every year and they worked with all the pieces I had bought previously. I’ve had them for years and they still look great, but they’re a wee bit too small. This year I ordered a jacket and skirt from the “same” triacetate line and they were horrible looking – crappy material, sloppy finishing. And I see that just about everywhere I go. So sad.

  26. Threadjack:

    I long ago stopped reading the responses to my comments in yesterday’s thread on whether natural hair is acceptable in a professional setting. But I have to say I was disturbed by the weakness of some of the responses to my comments.

    If someone is invited to give her opinion (the last line of the post and every post here implies such an invitation), it’s really not very helpful to object to a comment on the sole basis that it’s “one-sided,” especially if you have no side of your own to present.

    If someone takes the time to offer an opinion that they think is of value, and expresses something that is rarely openly communicated, you should at least consider it unless it’s inherently offensive, e.g., All Gingers should be rounded up, put in a spaceship and shot to Mars.

    If you come to the web only to have your own worldview consistently reinforced, maybe you should be doing something else with your time. That’s not what the Internet is about.

    Have a good weekend.

    1. In case it wasn’t clear, I thought the post was very interesting. I’m glad Corporette featured it. I think Patrice gave a very good general answer. The point of the comments was so that individuals could speak to their own experiences. Advice is not one-size-fits-all. Not all work environments are the same.

      Actually, most of my observations were things that certain very ambitious and successful people instinctively know or that they are counseled by their mentors. I was in neither group. Shame on me for trying to communicate something of value.

        1. Realizing this doesn’t elevate the discourse any more than your comment here just did, a lot of yesterday’s commenters sounded overly judgmental and/or racist.

          1. I don’t know if I’d say racist/judgemental, but I think I found a lot of it to be somewhat patronizing, and…like some posters were trying really hard to be PC and accepting of “different”.

            Pretty much all the comments of “I always notice my african-american coworkers hair, it’s so beautiful and fun, and I think you should wear it however you want” were somewhat irksome to me. To be fair, I also hate those comments in real life. The fact that the posters notice the difference in hair is one of the reasons supporting why I keep mine relaxed/straight and almost always pulled out of my face.

            As I said, I never want to be noticed or remembered because of my hair. I want to be noticed and remembered for the quality of my work and my professionalism.

            I recognize that the intent of the comments was not to be anything but positive, but still irksome.

      2. Well once you actually did not know how to read the thread correctly. One person commented on your comment “only black church ladies wear wigs in my experience” another commented commented on that comment (not your comment) and you jumped in and defended your original comment. (unless you were posting under two different names.)

        Also one person considered your opinion, and asked for other opinions. She didn’t say you were wrong, she just didn’t agree with your opinion and you got very defensive with “it’s my OPINION.” And actually rereading what you just wrote about how “advice is not one-size fits all” yesterday you wrote the statement “you would do well to heed my advice, end of discussion.”

        Just as an end note it doesn’t look like anyone jumped on your opinion or was rude, I’m kind of confused by your “shame on me” comment

        1. Equity’s Darling: so you think that women who think that other women are beautiful when wearing their natural hair are just being PC? Ugh, this is just as bad as women who judge other women for wearing wigs. Jesus.

          1. No, I don’t inherently think that, I think that *some* of the posts came off that way. And unfortunately, I do find it EXTREMELY patronizing when comments like that are made in real life to me, which is perhaps why I applied that feeling to some of the comments.

            Finally, just because you don’t have a PC agenda when making the comments does not mean that others aren’t saying it to be PC. Because I promise you, some people are saying it JUST to be PC. Maybe cynical, but definitely true.

    2. Blackanon, you bludgeoned every one to death on yesterday’s thread with your opinion. You’re most certainly entitled to your opinion, but your’s is not the only one. Must you hi-jack today’s thread to start the beat-down yet again?

    3. I think people objected to the vehemence of your opinion, and you posting a few times to emphasize earlier points. Just as anyone is free to comment, anyone is free to disagree, and you then went back and argued. Most of the time, the dialogue on corporette is not back-and-forth, but rather +1 opionion, +1 another opinion, + yet another opinion, if that makes sense. So you may have come off a tad strong.

      I do think that sometimes people pile on, and we’ve lost some valuable voices (Shanna comes to mind–we miss you, except for your ebates posts!). I hope you continue to express your views (but not argue).

      So….with all that said, I think another open letter asking a community to be more to your liking is a bit…off.

      It’s Friday…let’s all try to listen and be heard.

      1. Oh dear — please don’t mention Shanna — that woman was the most negatively opinionated person I have ever seen on Corporette! Everything she said was law — my blood pressure starting going up every time I saw yet another comment from her and her comments were always plentiful. She, and she alone, stopped me from visiting Corporette for a long time. I only started reading regularly again (particularly the comments) once I realized that she was gone. Whoever gave her the heave ho — thank you thank you. And I’d love if someone could point me to the dialogue that did it!

        1. No idea what the post was officially about, but in the last thread I remember seeing Shana on, she was talking about her previous weight and other commenters were offended that she called it “fat,” because they were currently at a higher weight than that. There had already been a previous thread in which lots of people weighed in on Shana in a way I had never seen before–people debating a commenter. I was posting as “surrounded by lawyers” at that time.

    4. I’m curious about what kind of “response” you wanted. You stated here that you want your opinion from yesterday to be considered, and I believe it was – by many folks who probably read it (and then read it again and again as you continued to reiterate your point) and then thought about and perhaps just did not respond.

      So what, in your estimation, would have been an acceptable response to your viewpoints from yesterday?

      It sounds like you wanted more people to chime in and pat you on the back, which is ironic since you lashed out today at those who are looking to the Internet as a vehicle for consistently reinforcing one’s own worldview.

    6. “If someone takes the time to offer an opinion that they think is of value . . . you should at least consider it.”

      I kindly suggest that you take your own advice on this one.

  27. dear person in front of me on my walk today with the purple suede kitten heels paired with a green sweater: they were fabulous and I want them. That is all.

    1. Yay! Wish we saw more of this in the comments instead of, “Saw the most atrocious thing today.”

      1. I was in the mall today and I saw this woman looking fabulous in her jeans. She was not small, the jeans were skinny and she OWNED them. I actually stopped to tell her how great she looked. She told me that I made her day and that, in turn, made MY day.

        Let’s do more of this.

        1. I’m 5’9″ and weigh 175 lbs. In order to cope with the body exposure that accompanies beach life (hard, yes :), I pretend I am Queen Latifah. I find I am much more well received by others (even ogled by men) than when I cower in my jiggly thigh-ness.

  28. I know this is kind of late, but I just wanted to go on record saying that I really like that skirt. Yes, it is way too short on that model. But I am 5’3”, and I look at that and think it would probably hit me right above the knee. It’s hella cute, and thanks for bringing it to my attention.

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