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Frugal Wednesday’s TPS Report: Graphic Framework Blouse

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Graphic Framework BlouseYes, yes: I love a good print. This “graphic framework” blouse from Anthropologie is no different — but I also love that it's got a V-neck and a flattering sash tie. I'd wear it with a gray boyfriend cardigan, navy pants, and perhaps a pair of kelly green pumps. It's currently $49.95 at Anthropologie (was $78). Graphic Framework Blouse Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-2)

Sales of note for 12.5

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

188 Comments

  1. I want to like Anthropologie clothes. I really do. But then when I see them, I ask myself “where will I wear this, except on holiday in Provence / walking the streets of Florence,” which is where all of their models seems to be?

    1. I have the same problem. Too fancy for my everyday life (at least in my personal style) and too bohemian for my work life.

      But I love their clothes in theory! And I like their accessories and housewares. :-)

    2. I think their clothes could look great for working on the weekends.

      Am I the only one who is developing a weekend-work wardrobe? I feel like this makes me neurotic.

      1. I do this thinking for Friday/business trip work wardrobe.
        At my biz-cas office, the males are more conservatives than female coworkers. I dress on the nicer side of business casual. For fridays and on business trips we get some leeway but this is the time where I get most excited to try on preppy styles.

    3. I like to incorporate some Anthro stuff into my work wardrobe because it makes me feel less like an office drone (and because sometimes I want to pretend at least one part of me is on a holiday in Provence), but I do think it takes some effort to do this because not everything translates to the office easily.

      1. Agreed. I think this would work fine for the office. I love a bright, bold pattern under an otherwise plain suit. The only thing that *might* keep me from wearing this to work is the neckline. Since I can’t gauge on the model where it hits, but it looks like it might be a tad low.

        Otherwise, I love the colors, the shape, and the cut. Great piece.

        1. Reviews all say it’s low, and that there is a tendency for it to gape open. So definitely would require a camisole under.

      2. Ditto to this. If I’m going to be stuck in my office in Nowheresville, The Mountain Kingdom, my pants might as well look like they belong sipping a caffè on Lake Como. Gives me hope for the future.

  2. Okay hivemind….early morning threadjack!

    My husband and I have decided to go on a last minute trip to London next weekend (he’s there for business for the week, I’m meeting him on Friday. So (a) any tips on neighborhoods to stay or, even better, specific places to stay (not trying to spend toooo much. And (b) any tips on stuff to do? We’re only there for two days so we can’t do everything.

    Thanks in advance!

    2. I love London!!!! I’m a huge museum fan, so I must recommend the Military History Museum. I also loved the Tate Modern.

      I’m sure others will have advice on where to stay. Have fun!!!

    3. Jack the Ripper walk! I went about 10 years ago, and it was my favorite attraction, and fairly cheap (7 pounds at the time, I think). We had a great guide (an actress in a Brit soap), it was sort of spooky, and the stories about the local politics that went on in investigating it were really interesting.

      1. Oh! Ghost tours (which is similar to what this sounds like) are SO FUN. Such a fun way to see a city and hear about its history while being entertained.

      2. YES! I had the same guide! This might seem really corny, but it’s great fun. And you have a couple pints after.

    4. Register for the ceremony of the keys! It happens at the tower at about 10pm most nights, it’s free(!) and you get a modified tower of London tour without the 25 pound charge.

    5. If you’re looking for cheaper accommodation, some business hotels like Premier Inn have cheap business rates. There is one in the Borough area that is convenient to the Tate Modern and other museums. Belsize Park/Hampstead is also a cute area, although not quite as convenient.

      There are also free walking tours (Sandeman/New Europe) that are very good. I have taken them in several cities and enjoy them.

    6. One of the great things about England is that they have so many old buildings that are basically museums themselves. I’d recommend Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s also worth just wandering around in some of the beautiful old neighborhoods and having a drink at one of the millions of cute little pubs — a big part of London is the atmosphere!

    7. Not squarely in your ask, but definitely make some time for Indian food or a trip to Wagamama’s (the original, over by the British Museum, IIRC).

      I’ve been having such a travel itch recently. Jealous!

      2. Is the Wagamama in London better than the Wagamama two blocks from my office? (in downtown Boston btw.)

        But I do love Indian food, so that’s a definite must.

        1. You have a Wagamama in Boston now? I am green with envy. I just had a layover in Heathrow and our plane got in late, resulting in only 20 min. to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 5. When I passed by the Wagamama (yes, I will even settle for the airport one), I almosted cried over the Chicken Katsu Curry I would not be eating…. It’s like the ultimate comfort food for me.

          1. Who knew, there’s actually three! I knew about the one in Harvard Sq., but was wondering whether they’d moved when I saw TCFKAG’s comment so I checked the website.

            Anyway, I first went to one of the London Wagamamas at least 15 years ago, so I can’t say whether it’s misty memories or truth, but I was a little disappointed when I did finally revisit the mythical chicken chili ramen locally. Still good, but not life-changing. Hmm, maybe I’d better think about hitting London again myself to really confirm….

    8. I’m a giant history nerdface, but my favorite things in London were the British Museum (Elgin Marbles! the Rosetta Stone! the circular library! etc!), Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London. Non-history-nerd favorites included horseback riding in Hyde Park (or strollin’, if you aren’t into the ridin’), seeing a show in the West End, and eating as much Indian food as I could stuff into my face. Oh, the Changing of the Guard was pretty cool as well, in a now-I-can-say-I’ve-done-that kind of way.

    9. I stayed at the Shaftesbury Metropolis London Hyde Park a few years ago. It’s in beautiful Sussex Gardens. It was very, very nice, but reasonably priced and a quick walk to Paddington Station.

      Enjoy your trip!

    10. I recommend a show at The Globe. I’ve seen two and they are both *by far* the best Shakespeare productions I’ve ever seen (and as a really dorky English major, I’ve seen a lot). The production of Midsummer Night’s Dream will have you rolling on the floor laughing.

    11. Best museum in London: John Soane Museum. Without a doubt. Closely followed by the Wallace Collection.

      A lot of people don’t know about either of these, but they are both totally worth going to.

      Also, this time of year the Geffrye Museum will have put together its Christmas rooms. Google it. Really, really interesting if you are into historical homes.

      Hotels: I have had good results staying at the Strand Palace Hotel (Covent Garden) and Kingsway Hall Hotel (Covent Garden/Holborn). Any of the Thistle hotel chain are also good. Wherever you stay, you will be far happier if it is on/near the Piccadilly Line.

      Indian food: Try Masala Zone – there are a few of them around, including one in Covent Garden behind the Royal Opera House. Also, any of the Rasa chain of restaurants are really good – they are all painted hot pink so you can’t miss them. They aren’t your run-of-the-mill Indian food – they are all South Indian. For a non-chain experience, go to Diwana in Drummond Street, near Euston Station.

      Have fun!

      1. If you are into bumpy mounds of grass and Anglo-Saxon booty (the treasure kind, that is) Sutton Hoo is unbeatable.

        As others have said, the museums are wonderful (although, last time I was there, the Darwin wing at the natural history museum was a let-down; most of their collection was not on display) and FREE. And cream tea at the V&A is always good.

    12. London is my favorite, have a great time!!! My favorite museums are the V&A, the British Museum, and the Churchill War Rooms in Westminster. The Globe Theatre is amazing and right next to the Tate Modern. Just be careful if you’re there after dark as that section can be a bit dodgy.

      I usually stay with family just outside the city so no hotel recs but make sure you get Tube passes. It’s so easy to follow and much cleaner than the NYC subway, IMHO. Another favorite of mine to do in London is High Tea, the Langham Hotel and the Lanesborough are both fabulous. If you go, ask for crumpets because they don’t always include them. (The day they make crumpets available in supermarkets stateside will be a very happy one for me)

      And be sure to stop by LK Bennett, Reiss, or Hobbs while there ;)

      2. +1 for my favourite source of business attire, Hobbs. Last time I was there, they assured me that shipping to North America was coming. I am starting to save up already. (Just kidding, but not really.)

        +1 again for tea at the Langham. Wow, *that* was amazing.

    13. My faves were the V&A (decorative arts museum – so many cool & pretty things), the Tower of London (I’m kind of a history buff), and if you want to see a show, the TKTS booth (can’t remember what square?) has last minute day of tickets for a discount.

      1. That would be Leicester Square….but you have to get there when it first opens in the morning for the good shows.

    14. So maybe you will feel that you are too old to do this — but my FAVORITE thing to do in London (and I liked doing most of the stuff suggested here, didn’t get to do ceremony of the keys suggested here) was go to a Ceilidh. It’s a scottish dance party. I don’t think it’s so much a quintessentially London thing, so they are probably better in Scotland, but it was *really* fun. I went to the one at the Cecil Club.

    15. I’ve had good luck in London using lastminute dot come for hotel rooms – last trip I stayed right off Oxford Street for about half of the hotel I had originally booked (which I canceled when I found the LM deal).

      1. I definitely second last minute.com – have had lots of good hotel deals. Tate Modern also highly recommended, and it is open until 10pm on Friday & Saturday. There is a great bar and restaurant on the top floor, which overlooks the Thames over to St Paul’s Cathedral and has a great view of the City.
        The Globe is next door – worth trying to get a ticket if you like Shakespeare. They do cheap last minute standing tickets on the day, I’d recommend hiring a cushion though! It’s worth doing a tour of the theatre also.
        A walk along the south bank of the Thames from Embankment to the Tate Modern (or vice versa) is interesting. There are several nice restaurants at the Embankment end and also the Hayward Gallery and the National Theatre. I’d personally recommend Ping Pong Dim Sum which is amazing and very modern. There is a river boat from the Tate Modern to Tate Britain until about 4pm, which is a lovely trip, and you go right past the Houses of Parliament. Borough Market is near the Tate Modern and is fun and foodie.
        On Sunday one option is brunch at Spitalfields Market and a look around Brick Lane. Alternatively, if you’re interested in religious music or a churchgoer, the Brompton Oratory catholic church in South Kensington does a full, sung Latin Mass with a proper choir at 11am. Afterwards, I’d recommend the main cafe at the V&A for lunch – the central rooms are beautifully decorated in late Victorian style and recently restored. And there’s Harrods just along the road…
        There’s always afternoon tea at the Ritz on Piccadilly, which I’ve never tried – however Fortnum & Mason’s a little further along Piccadilly does similar with a more relaxed but still trad vibe.

        Oxford Street is getting crammed full of shoppers – a walk down the Kings
        Road from Sloane Square will be nicer and probably take in most of the shops you want to visit. Or Covent Garden Market – and visit Battersea Pies on the lower courtyard before 7pm for amazing “traditional” English pies and mash.
        Have fun!

        I do think about food a lot, clearly…

  3. I like the skirt in the picture!

    Quick funny story in light of our prior “intimacy” discussions.

    Yesterday, I wasn’t feeling well all day. While taking my dog on a cold walk that evening, I texted my husband asking him to start filling the bath for me. When I got back, he was playing video games within ear shot of the bathroom. As I walked by the bathroom, my cat was walking around the edge of the tub, investigating. When I went to go into the bathroom to get in the bath the cat appeared offended that I interrupted his fishing. He gave me that disgusted disgruntled look that only cats have, put his tail in the air, and strutted out of the bathroom while I still stood there holding the door.

    I looked at the cat and said, “don’t let me stop you, you are welcome to join me.” From the video game room I hear my husband call out “I really don’t think there is room for both of us in there.” I was about to respond about how the cat would just be on the edge, not in it when my husband said “plus you are sick, I didn’t think you were in the mood.” Without thinking I cracked up and said “I wasn’t talking to you!” He stopped, turned around, and looked at me all confused and said “then what were you….” he then saw the cat with wet paws hanging in the hallway and just shook his head and went back to his game.

    It cracked me up. If I had been smoother I should have caught on and said “oh you are right honey, no room, and I’m not feeling well. Another night.”

    2. too funny! Also, I may have missed the update, but I’m glad your cat is ok! Did it turn out that he/she didn’t eat the string after all?

      1. Yes! He magically healed. The vet was convinced it was pancreatitis and not string/blockage (based on symptoms) but his blood tests came back negative for all GI issues including pancreatitis. His vet is completely stumped and we are all just happy he is better. We never found the missing thread and I never found evidence of it in the litter box either.

  4. Can someone speak as to whether the J Crew/LL Bean thinsulated wool coats are significantly warmer than the uninsulated versions? Wool coats just do not keep me warm in the dead of winter, even with hat/scarf/gloves.

    Also, can anyone speak of LL Bean sizing? I remember when I was a kid my mom always saying that they ran really big. Petite suit jackets fit me better than regular (always have to get sleeves hemmed on regulars), but all my overcoats are regular sizes and I don’t have issues with sleeve length.

    Oh, and since I’m short I prefer shorter jackets, and I find them more comfortable by not having all that extra fabric, but I don’t really like how hip length coats look with skirt suits (IMO okay with pant suits). Anyone have opinions on this?

    1. LL Bean sizing is pretty comparable to J Crew. Generous. I’m 5’8 and ~145, and I wear a small top/jacket for both of them. Their size charts are pretty good, and see if they have petite offerings in what you like. I buy their tall stuff and have been pleased.

    2. I love my Lady Day in Thinsulate, which I find runs small. I usually take a 2/XS in tops (slim, small bust), though occasionally an S at J.Crew due to their wildly inconsistent sizing. My Lady Day is a 6. I would need to size up again if I wanted to wear a thick sweater or something under it. I usually just wear a cardigan because our “winters” aren’t really that cold, relatively speaking. The Lady Day also comes in petite. Check the J.Crew Aficionada blog, where there are sure to be discussions about sizing of every single one of those coats.

      1. I wear a 00/0/xs in JCrew tops, including suit jackets, and my Lady Day coat is a size 4, but I sized up a bit more to be able to wear it over a suit.

      2. Thank you, this is good to know! I don’t really shop at J Crew but my trench coat from there is a 2. I’m pretty busty though and I wear an XS/S or BR, needing the small for a button up or something like that.

      3. Agree Lady Day runs small. I am usually a 0-2-4 and went up to a 6. It’s okay for a DC winter, but definitely NOT for Chicago (I am usually visiting family in Chicago in December), even with the thinsulate lining. I am thinking about getting a puffy down coat solely for my winter trips to Chicago.

        1. So funny, I had exactly the same experience- moved from DC, where my lady day was just fine, to Chicago, where I had to buy a new coat the first day of december! It’s been lovely in this mild late fall though. I would say that the thinsulate version will keep you warm down to about 35 degrees.

    3. I think the jcrew thinsulate is totally worth it and much warmer than w/o. That said it is not as warm as a puffy down coat (sadly).

    4. I really like my J.Crew stadium cloth Elements coat. I got it last year in one of their final-sale-extra-30%-free-shipping specials, so I sized up a bit due to inventory, but it’s very warm and blocks wind better than other wool coats I’ve had, even without additional layers underneath. As others have noted, J.Crew’s sizing is very inconsistent, so if you don’t have an opportunity to try on I strongly recommend calling their customer service and asking for actual measurements for the specific coat (or pants or whatever) you’re considering.

      1. hmm okay, I had originally ruled out the stadium cloth bc it’s not available in thinsulate (at least last I checked). And I’m near philly so i’m facing comparable weather!

        1. I don’t have any of their thinsulate coats to compare, but their stadium cloth is very warm on its own – my understanding is that it’s supposed to be comparable to their wool+thinsulate, if not warmer.

      2. Actually, I was looking at that coat myself. With the 25% off + free shipping it’s a pretty reasonable deal. I have kind of broad shoulders and that usually seems to be the trouble spot for me with their coats, but I’m willing to gamble and order a couple.

      3. Corporette won’t let me post this, so I’m sorry if you get this comment in multiples — I live in the midwest and have owned two stadium cloth coats, they are warm enough for the winter. IMO, it’s warmer than the thinsulate lined double cloth coats.

        1. Oh and I’ve also owned regular doublecloth (too thin) and a thinsulate lined classic peacoat, which was okay but I prefer my stadium cloth coats. HTH!

        2. Thanks! I like the elements coat because it had a hood. Do you think the hood makes it too casual for a law firm, or it would be okay?

          1. i am in biglaw (albeit a small satellite office) and wear my stadium coat to work. it’s a more generously-cut and casual style than a trench/the Lady Day coat/the Academy coat, but still work-appropriate. the hood was a huge selling point for me as well.

        3. oooh but I do love the majestic purple double cloth metro coat that I could get with thinsulate! NO stop, you already have a royal blue calvin klien peatcoat, get something more practical!

  5. Alright, hivemind, I need some input. I just bought a Kate Spade Lainey tote, and I can’t decide whether to keep it. I’ve never been a nice bag person — I buy $30 bags from Target and go through about one a year when I snap the handles off them from overloading them. But I’ve been in biglaw for a while now, and it seemed like it was time to buy a nice bag that I could keep for 5 or 10 years instead of going through cheap ones. It’s really nice, but I feel kind of weird about having a bag that cost that much and also like I’m going to spend all of my time worrying about wrecking it.

    I know a lot/most people here have a nice bag (or several), so tell me: will I get used to carrying this thing and stop worrying about it getting ruined? And is a Kate Spade bag really going to last, or does it just look nice?

    1. I have several different kinds of Kate Spade bags and they have all withstood the test of time. I like them because they seem to fit under my arm very well. Several years ago I got a messanger bag that I always take when traveling and has definitely been tossed about. For the past year and a half, I’ve been toting one of their diaper bags which has seen some very messy days, but the clean up is not a problem.

    2. I bought a kate spade on a splurge a couple of years ago, and it quickly became my every day bag. Holds up so much better than Target! For me, there was definitely a breaking in period where I felt really awkward carrying the bag, but now I love it.

      1. I’m also a lot less worried now about my handles breaking off on my commute. Shuffling around a packed T trying to gather loose documents is no fun for anyone involved.

    3. I was always a cheap purse girl until I received a Coach bag a few years ago at Christmas. I have to say, I haven’t looked back since. I saved and splurged on a Kooba earlier this year and didn’t have an ounce of regret.

      Honestly, you will carry the thing almost everywhere you go on a daily basis–so I think it’s worth splurging a little. If you were wearing the same shoes every day for a year, would you be putting the same rules to yourself that they have to be under $30 from Target?

      And while I think a lot of what you pay for is the name, in some ways nicer purses often do have better construction. The straps are often sewn better. The leather often is more durable. And little details like having metal “feet” on the bottom help keep them nicer. That said, it’s not universal. A cream, suede, or other “high maintenance” feature will be simply that regardless of price.

      Just my opinion, but I think it makes sense to put money where it gets the most use. My t-shirts and a lot of dresses, etc. may be from Old Navy or Target, but I will always spend a little more than what’s average on a nice coat or bag since I know they will get far more use and provide a sophisticated image in a variety of situations.

      I like to think my shopping philosophy has evolved and my purse selection now is a testament. While I spent my early 20s focused on getting what was trendy and a lot of it (so a new bag or two every year or even more often was important). These days (now upper 30s) I think about how much use something will get when factoring what to spend. Cost per wear shouldn’t be underestimated.

      1. Point taken, but I have to say that your shoe comment made me laugh — my favorite and most comfortable pair of pumps are actually a $30 Target pair that I’ve had for three years and that are still going strong.

      2. Two stories here:

        I was at a meeting last night, and this 60ish male lawyer had this beautiful congac leather bag that was HUGE, like could probably expand to 3 times the width of typical woman’s tote if not more, but when he carried it looked reasonable. You could tell he had had it for a while, as it was worn, but it looked classic and loved, and like it had a rich history. I seriously wanted to compliment him on it and ask him where he got it!

        Also at this meeting, older divorced woman was sporting a new diamond ring on her LH ring finer. After the posts yesterday, I didn’t immediately congratulate her or bring any attention to it, thinking maybe she’s just wearing a cocktail or family ring on that finger, as she’s a little bit of a craz old lady. Well during a break at the meeting she goes show’s me her hand and goes “Kelly, I was trying to get your attention, I don’t know if you saw this!”. Ahhh, I kinda felt like a heel (not a heal)!

    4. I use my Kate Spade purses/totes for every day. If you’re worried about workmanship, they do have a year warranty on them, so if the handle breaks/leather cracks/etc. you can get it fixed by paying for only shipping. I have several and rotate them in and out, according to what I need and the season.

    5. I’ve had the same experience as you with a Target bad handle snapping. I now have a nice leather purse from Nordie’s and I also own a KS purse. Not every expensive purse is great quality, but when they are, I think it’s worth it. I’m not familiar with the Lainey, but my KS items have held up well. Check the handle and seams to make sure they’re well done.

      I think you get used to it when you carry it everyday and it becomes less precious. If you’re worried about durability, try pebbled leather since it covers scratches better. Like others, I think it’s worth it to spend more on something you wear everyday; think about price per wear (and how $30 ends up adding up when they don’t last).

    6. I’m not the best person to ask about this becuase i generally only carry nice bags and i have tons of them, but yes, you just get used to it. You have to not worry about getting it dirty and stuff or you wont want ot use it. I used worry about my LV bags like that, but then I just realized they are fairly durable and they look better a little worn anyway.

  6. Gift threadjack – I signed up to participate in my firm-organized program to buy gifts for less fortunate individuals. I have two people – a 19-yr old girl, and a 10-yr old boy. The girl put simply that she wanted a bathrobe. The boy wants a black jacket. There were no other descriptions.

    I know it’s not that complicated, but without any additional detail, I’m at a bit of a loss. What kind of bathrobe would be best? Something basic, or something a little more fancy? Should I get the boy a puffy jacket? I have no idea what types of jackets 10 year old boys are wearing.

    1. For the bathrobe, I’d get something like a nice terrycloth one you get at a hotel (maybe with matching slippers?) I’d go with a neutral color like white because you don’t know her taste.

      For the boy — I’d go with either a black puffer jacket or a black ski jacket with a removable inner liner. The removable inner-liner type jacket would also be great because then he could use it in the spring and the fall as well (as it’s likely that his family probably can’t afford seasonal jackets).

      A nice idea if you can afford it might also be to throw in something more fun and frivolous too (like a basketball or a toy for the boy and maybe a CD or some jewelry for the girl). These sound like very sensible gifts, but its always fun to get something silly at Christmas as well!

    2. I would say for both you would want to go practical and less fancy, as these are probably things they need. Are you in a cold area of the county? An ex boyfriend got me “the softest robe” or something like that from bath and body works, and I love it! its held up great over the years and is super warm and cozy. You could also add some extra nice little girly gifts with the robe (lotion, lip gloss etc).

      For the boy I would get something appropriate for the winter weather in your area, but semi-trendy. I remember kids wearing mostly nylon/ski/puffer jackets, as they’re good for rain and snow; they wouldn’t get as much use out of a peacoat. I’d add gloves, hat and maybe a little toy for the boy. Or new socks, I don’t know how under priviledged the kids are.

      1. ITA with the comments about the boy. I have an 11 yo and 9yo boy, and they would not choose to wear a pea coat. Around here it isn’t cool for boys of that age. My oldest doesn’t even like to wear a shirt with any type of collar to school (no uniforms). He thinks it’s too dressed up. IMO a puffer/ski jacket would be best.

        How wonderful that you are participating in this!

    3. Personally, I’d go for a nice bathrobe, thick and fluffy, in a solid neutral colour. Not white, it gets dirty too easily. Maybe pale blue or lavender. I used to have a bathrobe that was thick and fluffy and although it wasn’t very expensive it felt so luxurious.

      As for the jacket… what’s the climate like where you are? That will decide whether you want to place a higher value on practicality or stylishness. FWIW, I think you should go with a military/biker style- I teach primary school (albeit in Europe) and that’s what I see on the kids the most often.

      Hope that helps!

      1. I have a friend who always says “white (sheets, blouses, etc) is for rich people” because it has to be cleaned just so and, after a while, isn’t that white anymore anyway. I would shy away from white, too.

    4. I am feeling very emotional today in general, but this comment made me so sad! They asked for the most practical items, it is so nice of you to be participating. If you can swing it, it would be so lovely if you went above and beyond for them, maybe some fun jewelery for the girl of a giftcard to a store so she could pick something out.

      1. This comment made me super sad, too. I’m also feeling super emotional today in general. I agree that it would be nice go to a little above and beyond just what the kids asked for.

        1. The program in general makes me sad – I got emotional and signed up for two people! I am so fortunate in so many ways, and I felt like it was the least I could do.

          1. I love to do this every year. I was a recipient as a kid (though my single mom didn’t tell me at the time). I know from experience it makes a huge difference for the people who receive the gifts and it makes me feel like I’m doing some good in a tangible way in the world. I agree with the suggestions to get a nice fluffy robe and slippers and throw in some “fun” extras as well.

          2. Where can one go to sign up for something like this? It seems like a fabulous way to give back, even just a little bit.

          3. CSF – my program is through my employer, but I think you can google New York Cares and Winter Wishes and sign up as an individual (if you want to do it in NYC).

          4. Thanks for the information. I’m not in New York, but I can see if there’s something similar down south!

          5. Someone asked where you can sign up for a program like that. The Salvation Army in my area (Chicago) does this. I know I may get flamed for saying something positive about Salvation Army given their religious affiliation and associated stance on LGBT issues. But I do see the “giving tree” program as something really great to help needy children. We always have a tree with tags listing the gifts desired in our lobby at work. I had a kid one year who included underwear on his list. It honestly made me cry right there in our lobby.

    5. I’m with the posters above who advocated for the plainer terrycloth robe. My husband actually got me one at Victoria’s Secret a few years ago that I love. It’s the softest robe ever.

    6. I received a cotton robe from Lands End last year that I just love. I think the terry cloth/fleecy ones are just too hot. Mine is long sleeved and a thick knit that is just perfect. Also comes in lots of colors, in petite and tall, etc.

    7. Thanks everyone! I’m in NYC, so the boy will definitely need a warmer jacket. I like the idea of a ski jacket with a removable inner liner, to make it more usable in other seasons. And thanks for the recommendations for the bathrobe – basic it is! I love the thought of including a fun or frivolous gift too – presents shouldn’t always be practical!

      1. You might even think of buying the boy’s coat a little on the big side (if that’s an option)- so he’ll potentially get a couple years of use out of it.

    8. LL Bean and Victoria’s secret both have lovely thick terry robes that should last for ages. I’d also check the department stores this weekend (online unless you’re braver than I) many are running great sales on things like these.
      For the 10 year old boy, I second the commenter than noted that a zip in/out liner would be great so that the coat could be used in the spring and fall. I’d definitely get something with a waterproof outer layer. The puffy jackets tend to be very popular in big cities but my nephews in the burbs seems to be wearing more fitted motorcycle type styles (with patches at the shoulders/elbows).

      1. The tradition in our family has been to do this every year. A valuable lesson we learned early on was to buy the items at a place where they could be easily exchanged. For the last few years we have bought from Kohls (which was relatively close to the area where our families have lived) and included the gift receipts as well as the Kohls’ cash in an envelope for the mother.

    9. It seems like every young boy (at least in D.C.) wears a black Northface ski jacket. I’d stick to that style.

      1. CW should not actually buy a North Face jacket though. I grew up in a rough area. The North Face jackets are popular targets for theft/robbery because of the brand’s recognizability and “prestige.” Far better for CW to get a non-obviously branded warm jacket, maybe from Lands’ End which is easily exchangeable at any Sears. The child will have a much better chance of holding on to his new warm coat without a big logo.

    10. I’m probably late to answer you, but my daughter is that age and she and her friends love fleece robes with hoods. The hoods are important, for some reason! Most stores will have them.

    11. Whatever you do, shop somewhere common (Walmart / Target / Payless for the shoes) and include a gift receipt. If it’s anything like the programs I’ve participated in, sizes will be off by a mile and a half. It always gave me peace of mind to think that my families might be able to return things that didn’t fit/work.

  7. I think I’d buy both items at Target and include the gift receipt. Almost everyone has a Target nearby and so they can exchange them easily if they wanted a different “style” bathrobe or jacket. For the robe, I’d buy something warm and functional–calf-length, terry cloth or fleece–but in a pretty, girly color. Like you, I don’t know what 10 year old boys are wearing, but depending on which part of the country you live in, I’d tend to go with something warmer for that too. My suggestions may be a reflection of my permanently-cold status.

    Happy Thanksgiving, ladies! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend.

    1. I’d be wary of the target/any store gift receipt, in case these poor kids have selfish manipulative parents that exchange it for stuff they need want.

      1. Famous Footwear in my town has a program where you can get a gift receipt for a “similar item only” or something like that. I had the same concerns buying shoes for my “kid” last year. He requested a size that no store carried anymore. I went with the next size up but wanted him to be able to exchange if it didn’t fit. The store said they deal with that a lot and wrote on the back of the gift receipt “to be exchanged only for an item suitable for a 5 year old boy” or something like that.

        1. I hadn’t even thought of this concern. That’s a great idea – I’ll look into it! Thanks.

          1. You should review the rules of the program you are participating in.

            The ones I participate in generally require that the present come unwrapped and with a gift receipt.

            I also think the likelihood that the parents in this situation are going to return it for the money is relatively low (especially since the kids asked for such practical items). Much more likely is that if it is returned it will be because it doesn’t fit or because the child wants a different color or whatever.

        2. Yeah, I don’t know if it’s a situation with a single working mom who legit loves her kids and wants what’s best for them, or something like the movie Precious or book The Glass Castle.

      2. Well, what’s worse? Needy family has selfish parents that exchange kid’s gifts for something else or you give clothes sans receipts that don’t fit that nobody ends up using? Personally, I’ll risk the selfish parents…

  8. Oh, I love that top! I just wish my personal style was boho enough to wear it.

    Sorry for the early clothing-related threadjack, but: Opinions on this dress? http://www.gap.eu/browse/product.do?cid=57372&vid=1&pid=877099

    I’m a primary school teacher who’s got a couple of events coming up in the next few months (end of term dinner with colleagues, an event at the mayor’s office for an international exchange programme my school’s part of) and I don’t have a thing to wear. Pretty much everything formal in my wardrobe is ethnic, and this is the first Western dress I’m buying, so I’m pretty clueless. Additional problem: I’m in France, home of the effortlessly stylish. I really don’t want to show up and feel like a frump/underdressed.

    Questions: is this an appropriate dress for a 20-something for a formal-but-not-too formal event? Also, I prefer having a small number of clothes that I can wear for a long time, so how is Gap in terms of that? (We don’t have it where I’m from.) And finally, I was thinking of styling it with black knee-length boots, a skinny red belt, and a silver cuff for dinner, but I’d love other suggestions as well.

    1. Your styling sounds really fab. The dress itself reads as neutral to me – it’s not a gorgeous dress, but also not frumpy. Probably a good choice if you want to be able to wear it a lot – it would look good w. a jacket, or a cardigan, or a shawl or scarf… although if “sparkly” means not “has some subtle silver threading” but “O Christmas tree!” then it’s less of a practical item.

      IME Gap quality is fine.

    2. Don’t worry, being overdressed in France is a bigger faux-pas than being underdressed.

      I think the dress you show will be right (I can’t get the close-up to open, though ).

      If you’re willing to go a bit more expensive, check Kookai. They usually have pretty dresses and their quality is good from what I’ve seen.

      I really miss the clear dresscode instructions of US events !

    3. I’d say it’s appropriate, understated, and easy to style in a variety of ways, so yay! Your styling sounds lovely, but I, personally, would also add in a scarf, statement necklace, or longer earrings–the neckline doesn’t have a lot going on, so that’s an easy place to dress it up.

      Gap’s fine, quality-wise.

    4. If I wasn’t on a gray dress ban, I’d buy this. If it’s not too sparkly, it’s easily dressed down as well as up – mustard sweater with thin black belt over it?

  9. How do you guys keep the hair-on-the-bathroom-floor problem under control? I don’t even have very much hair (sigh), but it seems like there’s always hair on the tile. Do you keep a broom in the bathroom? Dustbuster? Other? If anyone has a dustbuster/small vac that they really like and find it’s easy to pull out several times a week to clean up the hair, please tell me which one you use. I absolutely hate to vacuum!

      1. This. So easy to use and you throw it out when you’re done which makes it all the better.

        1. I don’t even put the Swiffer cloth on the handle anymore. I just use the cloth and my hand.

    2. We recently spent several months with our house on the market to sell, which meant all the hair had to be picked up every day before we left for work in case someone wanted to see it during the day. I kept a roll of clear packing tape in my drawer in the bathroom, and took a decent-sized strip and picked up hair that way all over the counters and floor. It sounds dreadful, but is very effective and really kept the place clean (and no worries about the hair falling off the tape before you get it to the trash can).

    3. I have a small Dustbuster (about $15 at Target) that I use 2-3 times a week to get all the hair up. It’s important to clean it out so that the hair doesn’t clog it up. The Dustbuster also works great for vacuuming up little bugs (I’ve had a problem with those lately…).

    4. I have the same problem (my hair sheds like nobody’s business). I use a handful of slightly wet paper towels to grab the hair off the tile. Nothing fancy but it does the work. Also, this seems like less work to me than a broom or a swiffer, but to each their own.

    5. I have a small bathroom, but 2x a week I use my hairdryer to blow the loose strands into one corner (near the tub), where I can grab them with a damp piece of TP and throw them out.

    6. I find regular trims keep my shedding to a minimum, but I blow dry my hair in my bedroom so I only really have to clean the floor like every 2 weeks. If I wash my hair in the sink or curl my hair in the bathroom I just use a paper towel with some bathroom cleaner or just a wet paper towel to pick everything up.

      1. I also find that I’m least likely to shed after getting my hair cut – probably because the stylist has been combing my hair pretty thoroughly during the cut. That said, I only get me hair cut/trimmed 2 or 3 times a year.

    7. My husband and I (plus cats!) have dark hair. Our solution was to move from a house with white tile in the bathroom to a house with brown tile in the bathroom.

      Okay, totally kidding, but I swear, dirt/hair is so much easier to ignore on darker surfaces. :)

    8. dyson cordless stick vac, it may be a dc 33. changed my life–wonderful for people hair, cat hair, and cat litter. i use it every day, sometimes twice a day. very pricey in my opinion, but well worth it. also, there are some black friday sales on it.

  10. THREAD JACK- CORPORETES IN THE HIVE!!!!!!!!!

    I want to wish EVERY ONE a very happy Thanksgiving!

    The manageing partner is letting all of us leave EARLY today (2:00 P.M), and I am going to stop at LORD & Taylor to see thier window’s before going to Penn Station!!!!!

    I know it is early for Christmas, but I want to get into the SPIRIT of the holiday’s!!!!!

    I will be very BUSY tonite basteing the bird!!!!!!

    Love to ALL, Ellen B.

      1. I say he babysits for the manageing partner solo. Two birds, one stone. (Or perhaps on T-giving, three birds…)

        1. Genius! And it has the possibility to create some great new Ellen story lines.

    2. Absoluetly. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you as well, Ellen! From ALL of us!

      p.s. To any others who are less obsessive Ellen followers than I–“B” stands for Barshevsky. This glorious persona has been online for years, got kicked off the ABA comment platform, and even for a short time had her OWN blawg. I still dare to wish Ellen’s BLAWG will come back some day. GOOGLE this if you get off work early too! Or just want to pretend!

        1. Infinity, your impeccable use of punctuation has put me to shame. I need you to copy edit my Ellen coments from NOW ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

          1. *bows*

            Responding to Ellen’s posts brings me so much joy. It’s like a Christmas present every day.

    3. OMG Ellen, my boss is letting me out at 2pm today also! NYCorporettes – we should totally meet up at L&T today. And discuss basteing techniques.

    4. HAPPY Thanksgiving to you TOO, Ellen!!!!! I am thankfull that the manageing partner is letting you leave SO EARLY.

    5. Thank you Ellen, and a very happy thanksgiving to you, too. I hope your turkey (and I DONT mean the manageing partner) is delicious!

    6. And a VERY happy Thanksgiving to you too, Ellen! I am quite jealous that your manageing partner is letting you leave early. And I would LOVE to see the Lord & Taylor window, but, alas, I live in the sticks. Baste away, darling!

      1. I DO SO love that WE have embrased our redisent troll. She seems to BE JOINING US.

        HAPPY THANKSGIVING to ELLNE and ALL CORPORETTERS — and fooye on the managing partner also.

    9. Thanks, Ellen! Good luck on the tureky! Let us know how it turns out! And FOOEY on Allen!

  11. If anyone has wanted to try out the new Eloquii line, I got a coupon code today. Get 50% off with the code insider50. I ordered a suit and dress that I’ve had my eyes on and will report back on the fit and quality if anyone is interested.

    1. Please do! I might snag this to get the one shouldered lace dress and a pair of black and red skinnies!

  12. Re: colored suits. Blake Lively just wore a blue suit to something or other. Even with her beauty, the plunging neckline, and the impeccable tailoring, I found myself thinking that blue suit ages her, and how much nicer that suit would be in a less Pelosi/Clinton/powerful woman of age color.

    Link to follow.

    2. I think that suit is unflattering for a number of reasons. The pants look wrinkly and sloppy, and the jacket isn’t hanging properly in that photo. Of course, she probably sized it smaller to give it that boobalicious look, which would make the button closure pull oddly.

      Honestly, the way it is styled is so completely non corporate that it’s difficult for me to even think of it as a “power suit.” It screams “disco jump suit” to me, in which case that blue is just as appropriate as any bright color. Maybe it’s those shoulder patches (are they lace, or gold and blue brocade?)

      1. I believe that the ladies on gofugyourself dot com opined that the pants on that suit look like they don’t like her crotch.

      2. Ha, this is what I get for looking at pictures before I put on my contacts. With vision assistance, I can now see the suit doesn’t even fit. Silly me for assuming her clothes would fit her given her access to cash and quality tailors and seamstresses. All kinds of fail, Blake.

    4. Agreed, and her terrible posture doesn’t help much either. Honestly, half the time these celeb types would look ten times better if they would just stand up straight and put their shoulders back. It annoys the heck out of me. I guess comportment isn’t part of celebutante training.

  13. Another request for help: Does anyone know of any companies that make all or part of their products in the United States? I’m trying to put together a list. I’m looking for clothing brands as well as shoes, toys, home goods, etc. Thanks so much!!!

    2. Woolen goods (mostly blankets at this point) made in upper Midwest, although I don’t know where the wool is sourced from.
      http://faribaultmill.com/index.php

      I think The Company Store has a fair amount of bedding (maybe just the down and primaloft items) that are made in Wisconsin.

  14. What do you ladies in the warm parts of the country do to make it feel like fall/winter, sartorially? I am in Florida this season, and it’s been so warm that I’m pulling out all my summer clothes again.

    The media is full of tweeds and wools and lovely tall boots. How do you incorporate fall trends into your wardrobe when it is 78 degrees and humid?

      1. I was in Japan last week (weather was in the 60s and had just dropped that low from what I heard) and I saw wool shorts with tights everywhere. Generally with boots or booties. However, the look seemed to be confined to those below the age of 20 or so. Can’t imagine that this trend has become well-established enough to move beyond the “young/trendy” demographic (yet?).

    2. I wish I had a great solution, but I don’t. I’m in Texas and basically skip all the winter trends; it’s just too warm to wear heavy coats, hats, sweaters, etc. for most of the year. Instead we find joy while laughing about Starbucks having snowflakes on the windows when it’s 75 and humid outside (and we’re still wearing summer-weight skirts and t-shirts).

    3. I try to wear more fall/seasonal colors in my tops and jewelry. I am currently looking for a 3/4 sleeve mustard cardigan to use as a layering piece over tanks and under jackets. Also, adding a colorful lightweight scarf to the mix helps me feel more like fall. When I find the cardigan I have a purple and green print on a white scarf (from Franchesca’s Collection) I plan to wear it with. The tall boots will work in the heat if you have lightweight jeans to wear them over, or with a skirt or dress without tights.

      1. Love this! Maybe I just need to update a few basic pieces with fall colors. Right now there is a big difference between the palette of my short sleeved tops (brights) and long sleeved tops and sweaters (muted and autumnal).

        3/4 sleeves might be a good choice, too, since they are easier to find in the stores right now.

        I most likely will not be trying the tweed or velvet shorts trend. Ditto mini skirts with boots. While my ankles might pass for 25 years old, my thighs are definitely in their late 40s.

    4. I second the tweed shorts! Pick up a J.Crew catalog and you will find plenty of ideas for how to dress for winter when it is warm out. Turtlenecks with mini skirts, pants with swim wear tops, etc. It usually looks really cute but I always wonder, who would wear that when it is so cold!?

      1. I put on tweed skirts or those with black/white houndstooth here in Texas. With slacks (rare for me), I put on the Luccheses or Alberta boot “cowboy” boots. Agree with other posters about going with fall colors even though the blouse/sweater under the jacket may be sleeveless or short sleeved.

        Perhaps changing out a purse? Or adding a patterned scarf?

        I have a few turtlenecks that are sleeveless that help too.

        There’s also wearing a thin knit vest or sweater vest over a modal long sleeved tee … but for casual, not office wear.

    5. I would incorporate a lot of suede into bags and shoes, etc. It reads winter and you’re lucky in that you won’t have to worry about getting it all wet with snow. I recently bought a beautiful tan satchel with this in mind. Tweed and other rich fabrics also can be lovely for bags or shoes and instantly “winter up” an outfit.

    1. I didn’t try microwaving…but I bought one and it broke, really soon after, as I was washing it in the sink. Definitely not sturdy.

    2. i wouldn’t try microwaving it. But, the upside of these ceramic cups is if you fill the cup with hot water for a couple of minutes before adding your coffee, it stays hot a lot longer.

      Also, I keep a small pyrex measuring cup at work that I can use to throw in the microwave when I want to heat up my coffee, since none of my travel mugs are microwaveable.

  16. Ladies, I’m trying to write a cover letter for a legal fellowship and I’m stuck.

    I had a career prior to law school where I worked for years at agency A, which is supposed to work with agency B but in reality they have an antagonistic relationship. Working at A taught me a huge amount about agency B and is the basis of my interest in working there. I never worked with their legal department, and don’t know what their perspective is on A, but generally agency B hateshateshates agency A (and vice versa). I’ve met rank-and-file employees of B who asked me how it felt to work in the most evil organization on earth, and they were only semi-joking. I don’t know if the legal department’s view is more nuanced than that.

    Now I’m applying for a multi-year legal fellowship at B. How much detail should I include in my cover letter about my work at A?

    On the one hand, I want to include a enough detail to show what I took a lot out of the experience, and don’t hate B (should be obvious, but is it?). On the other hand, I think I should keep it to a few conclusory sentences (i.e. I learned a lot about B therefore I’m interested in working there), because they will see the experience and either take it or leave it. I have a feeling that my resume will either immediately get me an interview or immediately go in the trash.

    I’ve been stuck on this for a couple of weeks now and my goal is to get this application out today. Please help!!

    TIA!

    1. You should copy this over to the weekend thread. My experience is that ‘retters stop reading the earlier posts once the weekend one is up and running.

  17. Ladies,

    Going anon for this and would love your advice. I just received an offer (yay!) for a company that I am really like. Lots of room for growth, good professional development, etc. Much better benefits than what I have currently. I wasn’t super excited about taking my current position so I look forward to moving on.

    Here’s the issue: the position itself is a little below my experience level. There are two similar positions that according to everyone with whom I spoke are different in title only, not responsibilities. The salary they are offering me is better (and above the initial range they gave me)-my base would effectively be my current salary + bonus (approx. 10 percent of base).

    So, I am not unhappy with the offer but also don’t want to shortchange myself by not negotiating further. At the same time, I don’t think I could get that much more from them salary-wise, and I am know that any additional negotiations I do need to go up the chain for approval. During my interviews, the my offered position title and the next-step-up title were used interchangeably-would you try to negotiate title (they do have internal levels so it may make a difference down the road)? Salary? Say thank you and when can I start? I am trying to balance my NGDGTCO instincts with the reality that they’ve already made an exception for me and I want to start out our relationship on the right foot.

    Any and all thoughts much appreciated-thanks!

  18. Hi everyone! Quick threadjack, too — for various holiday parties I want to try a bright red lipstick. I’ve tried bright colors before, but they always seem to fade unevenly over the course of the night (so by the end I look scary). Any tips for making lipcolor stay in place, evenly? Any brand recommendations?

    Thanks in advance!

    1. A primer. I have one from MAC, and I put it on underneath whenever I wear red lipstick, and it works really well. I also use a lip liner when I wear red, which I find helps too, but really.. the lip primer.

      Sephora also sells a sealing spray of some sort. My sister has it, and let me borrow it last xmas. I had red lip on all night with I think one touch up maybe.

    2. Sephora brand long lasting lipstick that comes in a lipgloss-like tube in 01. I think the color is always red and the “type” might be cream satin. There’s a tube in my purse but all the labeling as worn off. It’s very long wearing and the color is the PERFECT true red. It wears for a full 8 hour day, just be sure your lips are well moisturized the day or night before you use it, as I find it to be very drying.

    3. lip stains. Best. Thing. Ever. cover girl has one, Loreal has one, they are so awesome, and don’t really look like lipstick.

      you could also use a lip stain under a lipstick instead of a primer

      the old school tip is lip liner, which still works if you get a good lip liner, but not just around the edge, line the edge and then fill in the whole lip with lip liner before putting lipstick on top. Also keeps the lipstick from bleeding at the edges.

      1. This (filling in entire lip with lip liner first) is what I do when I am wearing red lipstick (or any other strong colour). It works really well.

        I have also heard really good things about the MAC primer, but the lip liner method works so well for me that I don’t feel the need to pay extra for the primer….

      2. I fill in the entire lip with lip liner, apply lipstick, blot with a tissue, then reapply. That helps keep my lipstick going strong all night!

    4. Try a lip brush. I have one from sephora (test it out there) and I find it really helps the lip last longer.

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