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Updated: Oct 31, 2018 108 Comments · by

Wednesday’s TPS Report: Pleated Fit & Flare Dress

The Personal Shopper (TPS) |

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Halogen Pleated Fit Flare DressWow: I haven't seen this dress before, but they seem pretty confident in its awesomeness, considering it comes in about 8 colors and patterns. I like the notch neck, the flared, floaty skirt, and the price – $98 at Nordstrom, available in regular and petites. Halogen® Pleated Fit & Flare Dress Oh my: It's available in plus sizes, as well as a bunch of other colors marked down to $44ish. Update Dec. 2015: Like this look? See more Halogen dresses here, or see our most recent roundup of stylish but sedate fit and flare dresses for work. Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-all)

Sales of note for 9.30.24

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

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Comments

  1. yup

    How much should I expect to spend to get my couch recovered? I know it depends on the fabric you choose, but what’s the range? And does anyone have a recommendation for someone in Houston to do this?

    Also, what fabric would you recommend for sticky toddler fingers?

    • yup

      Inner loop Houston. And someone with pick-up and delivery services would be great.

    • NYNY

      Inner loop Houston. And someone with pick-up and delivery services would be great.

      • yup

        This is a really nice sleeper sofa, so that won’t work.

        I don’t need to know the specific price in Houston, I’m just looking for sort of a range. $500-1000? Over $1000?

        • mascot

          We had a sleeper sofa that had a removable cover (velcro closures on the back/side edges) and then zip off covers for the pillows cushions. Since you are getting it custom made, you could probably have it done for a price.
          I don’t recommend a tweed fabric. It hides dirt, but it is hard to get clean and the fabric gets fuzzy. How about a stain protected twill or micro-fiber?

        • anne

          Not sure about a sofa, but I’ve had a chair and a chair with ottoman done and it was $1000 for the chair and $1500 for the set. Worth it because these were old peices with strong wood frames. it might be worth it for you to get new, and with a toddler, I’d get a slipcover.

    • Away Game

      I’d recommend a microfiber with regular applications of scotchguard. No idea on cost, sorry.

      • Michelle

        agree on microfiber – our microfiber sectional is standing up incredibly well to multiple dogs and cats and snacking messy people

    • nutella

      Had this done to a pull-out and it was about $800. Expensive, indeed, but cheaper than getting a new pull-out. He also re-stuffed the cushions and added some piping. I’d recommend microfiber or something washable in a color like gray or taupe that will hide normal wear coloring until it has to be washed.

    • Michelle

      I find reupholstery costs just a touch less than the piece did new… I haven’t done couches but I have done chairs and chair-and-a-halfs and both times I got quotes on new pieces in the same fabric and the difference was like $200 cheaper to reupholster than to buy new.

    • Sunflower

      In Houston, I’d use Hien Lam Upholstery. She’s very good and very popular with interior designers.

  2. MJ

    This dress would not hit my waist at the right place. I am short waisted. And if no talls, it’d be a mini/party dress for me. So cute though!

    • AIMS

      I like it, especially in some of the other patterns/colors. BUT – I have a similar dress from Trina Turk and much as I love(d) it, the pleats fall out more and more with each dry cleaning and there is no way to press them back in (or there is but a dozen different cleaners in NYC all refused). I don’t know if i would buy another dress with this design now that I know that. FYI.

      • Mpls

        +1 to avoiding accordion pleats. I have not purchased otherwise cute clothes in order to avoid them – nobody wants to be responsible for pressing them (also, it’s hard! when the product is in garment form). So much easier to pleat the fabric before it’s bound by seams.

    • Bonnie

      I have a similar Halogen dress from a few seasons ago and it is a real workhorse. The pleats actually wash really well, even in the washing machine on gentle. This year’s version hit too high on the waist for me though.

    • New anon

      FWIW, I’d describe myself as a short waisted hourglassy pear, and last season’s version of this dress has been great for me. I had it taken up a bit at the shoulder, but it was a simple, cheap alteration. Pleats have also held nicely, as Bonnie mentions. Can’t tell you about length (I’m short and have worn it as a party dress anyway–length is office appropriate but the chiffon layer doesn’t say “office wear” to me), but if you like it, it might be worth trying.

  5. JEB

    Re-posting since I was too late yesterday.

    Has anyone purchased the Dagne Dover tote in the linen color? Was it fairly easy to keep clean? I’m going to take the plunge and treat myself to this bag for my birthday, and I LOVE the linen color, but I’m thinking black may be more practical. I’d hate for it to look dingy or dirty. And I take public transportation, so that’s a factor.

    • Carrie...

      It is a good tote, and I have been considering it as well.

      But I know me… there is no way I could keep it clean for a daily work tote… especially on public transportation. It’s not going to happen.

      But if you want to buy it for other purposes and use it more sparingly, then definite treat yourself for your birthday. Or you may just be more careful than me, so go for it.

      Happy birthday JEB!

    • A

      Not linen – I have it in blue and it still looks perfect, but I’ve only had it for a month.

  6. Brit

    Networking question – I was introduced to a guy in DC through a co-worker and met with him at the end of March. He offered to keep his ears to the ground for me and asked for a resume and letter of interest that he could pass on to those who might have something for me. Our last contact was at the beginning of May when I sent him the letter, but since then we haven’t talked. He’s not in my field of interest, but knows people that are, so I’m unsure how to keep the contact alive. Suggestions? TIA.

    • roses

      I’d send an email checking in with him – say it’s been a while, ask him how he is, and whether he’s heard anything coming up that would be of interest. If there’s anything you can do to help him in his field, absolutely offer that as well!

    • kc esq

      If he knows people in your ultimate field of interest, ask to be put in contact with one of them. Something like: “When we spoke, you said that you have contacts [at xyz company/ in abc field]. Do you think I could reach out to any of them directly?” Then try to set up coffee with them and circle back to him and let him know how great it went and that you appreciate his help.

    • Wildkitten

      If you are in town for something make sure to email him and use it as an excuse to grab coffee. I am in DC and this happens to me all the time.

  7. Anon for this - Personal

    Hi, I am a long-time reader, but first time poster. I have a dilemma I need advice on. I’ve been away at grad school for a year (I am 24 years old). When I left I was rail thin (5’5″ – 108 lbs). Unfortunately, a year of intensive studying (and sitting) has caused me to balloon up to 140 lbs. I have tried over the last 2 months to diet, but I’ve only lost about 3 pounds. I am also trying to eat healthier, but my immediate concern are my parents, who will hit the ceiling when they see me. They are old fashioned (I went to undergrad while living @ home) and did not want me to go away to grad school in the first place, and viewed my school as way too liberal for their tastes. Now that I have beenaway, I am happier, and even found a guy who likes me the way I am (my parents would not approve of him either). My questions are: How do I deal with the fact that they will blow up when they see me at 140 pounds, and second, should I tell them about Antonio, who I like but who my parents will blame for me getting so heavy. I appreciate any advice you can share. Thanks!

    • HSAL

      You are a normal weight and you are happy. If your parents “blow up” that you’re no longer underweight, it is their problem, not yours.

    • Anonymous

      So you’re now a totally normal and healthy size instead of underweight? Congrats!

      My answers really depend on whether you’re financially dependent on your parents.

    • Away Game

      Boundaries. You are 24, not 12. They – and you – need to start seeing you as an independent adult who will make your o wn decisions. Some of those decisions will be the wrong ones, and that’s how you will learn. Some of the decisions will be the right ones for you, and your parents will disagree. If you are worried about your *health* because you’re eating potato chips and ice cream all the time, then address that. Not because of your weight (your numbers are fine, and I bet you know that in your head even if you feel badly because they are different than a year ago and you think 108 was better) but because *you* don’t like the way you feel or your doctor told you your cholesterol was getting high or whatever is causing you to rethink your eating and exercise habits. If they comment, tell them yep, you made some poor decisions about food and are working on taking care of yourself. Next topic. I think it’s perfectly fair for parents to express concern/surprise about a sudden change in appearance, but then they have to drop it. I wouldn’t lie if asked if I were dating someone, but I rarely brought it up and didn’t give any details unless it was a very serious deal. If you are financially dependent on them, then I’d focus the conversations on sharing how things are going in school, ask for their advice on things you know they might help you with, etc. But as an adult, frankly, there are things I share with my parents and things I don’t think are their business. It’s not that I don’t want to be close, but if there are things I know will cause a disagreement without a resolution, I don’t engage.

      • emeralds

        All of this. And just to be clear, the problem here is with your parents’ reaction–there is no problem with you, your body, your boyfriend, etc. I am so glad that you are happy in your current university and have found someone who appreciates you for who you are.

        I will also +1 Senior Attorney’s phrasing and the willingness to walk out of the room if they won’t respect your reasonable, healthy, and adult boundary.

    • Senior Attorney

      “Mom and Dad, I am at a healthy weight and I am happy. My body is not up for discussion.” Then leave the room if they insist on talking about it. Each and every time.

      As for the boyfriend, that’s your business too. Tell them or not as you choose.

      As Anonymous at 10:45 a.m. implied, this all may be problematic if you are financially dependent on them, but really, what’s the alternative? Perhaps you need to be working on a financial independence plan.

      ETA: or basically what Away Game said.

      • Killer Kitten Heels

        +1 to this, and +1 to everything Away Game said. I also want to add a few additional phrases for shutting down intrusive conversations to your arsenal:

        “I’d rather not talk about that, thanks. How is work/your hobby/Aunt Suzy/whatever-other-subject?”

        “I appreciate your concern, but I have it under control, thanks.”

        “Actually, my weight/my boyfriend/my new liberal friends/whatever isn’t a problem for me, but thanks for the concern.”

        Strive for a neutral-to-friendly tone, at least at first. If your parents can’t take the general re-direct, don’t be afraid to bust out the big guns and get harsher if you need to. Also, I cannot recommend enough the archives at Captain Awkward (captainawkward-dot-com) – she writes about how to set boundaries all the time, and her advice is pretty consistently excellent.

    • Ellen

      Yay Kat, I love this dress, and am sorry to be late to the party again today. I sympathise with the poster, and all of the coments are VERY on point, so kudo’s to the comenters for telling the OP that she is an adult and needs to stand up for what is right. Yes, she is a little heavier then when she left for school, but guess what, nearly all of us were in the same boat. Personaly, I would NOT let my parent’s dictate who my boyfriends are, so if your guy is OK for you, then stick with him. As for putting on all that weight, you realy are NOT that heavy–and if this is mussle, then you will be really in good shape. I recommend that you do cut out the junk food and eat healthier. I also recommend you get a FITBIT, so that you can track what you do (My dad bought me mine b/c he want’s me to get MARRIED) and I have to start with a boyfriend. You at least have a boyfriend who seems to be OK with you and your tuchus the way it is. Kudo’s to him! So if you eat heathy and walk a lot, you should get back into shape. YAY!!!!!!

    • Anone

      There is no greater freedom than letting go of the expectations your parents (or any other people) have on your life. If you can conquer that demon – and in my experience, it is a big one, you’ll be much happier in life.

    • Snickety

      Yes to all of the above. You’re an adult and your weight is your business. But I’d be inclined to eliminate the element of surprise by mentioning by phone/text – before you show up in person – that you’ve gained some weight (due to all that studying!) and have adopted healthier eating habits and you feel great. I think they’ll be less likely to overreact.

  8. Bucket List

    What is/was on your bucket list to do before having kids? I know traveling is a big one, but I’m more curious about the everyday items.

    • Cat

      I wouldn’t call it a bucket list, but since we’re hoping to start a family now, we are taking extra time to appreciate:

      Being selfish as a couple. Not worrying about setting a good example for little ones. Having lovely, breakable things everywhere. Actually executing on spontaneous plans – nothing major – just “hey light workload this weekend, let’s take a day trip on Saturday” or “let’s go out for a long brunch.”

    • carrie m

      Long, leisurely meals – at home or out. Anything unplanned or spontaneous. Going to restaurants that don’t take reservations because we have all the time in the world and aren’t paying a babysitter by the hour. Movie theaters. Real theaters. Late nights out because we don’t have to wake at 6am to a crying baby. Sleeping in. Day drinking. A staycation without doing laundry or other chores, and visiting museums and being a tourist in the city we live in.

    • SC

      I just had a baby, so here’s what I wish we had done before I got pregnant and what I miss now. (1) If you are going to move or renovate before having a baby, do it before you get pregnant. Everyone always seems to move or renovate while pregnant, and everyone says it’s incredibly stressful, and now I know from experience that they’re right. (2) Travel! Not just the “big” trip, but smaller trips you’ve been meaning to take and haven’t gotten around to — visit friends for a long weekend, go to that conference for work, etc. (3) Enjoy spontaneity at home – brunches, happy hours, festivals, museums, etc. If you would need to plan and hire a babysitter to do it after kids, soak it up now.

      • kc esq

        I have one caveat to add: if you’re moving from the city to the burbs, don’t rush it before you have kids unless you are already sick of the city. I moved while pregnant, which was a pain, but I still loved our pre-kids time in the city, even when pregnant.

    • Walnut

      I’m expecting and we have become VERY protective of our time. We’re keeping our committed plans to a minimum and spending tons of time around the house. It’s been glorious to have so many evenings and weekends to ourselves, even if friends and family don’t necessarily understand.

    • Lyssa

      I always wanted to take a photography class. I just think that it’s a neat art, and would love to be able to take better pictures. But it would be too much time away from family to take now (I know that I could, but it’s not worth it, particularly because I’d prefer to take it with my husband, and there’s no way I could justify paying a sitter for each class.)

    • 29

      Meet someone. Love him. Be loved in return by him.

      (I am not trying to be snarky. Just genuine. Everything else is superfluous from my standpoint.)

    • Lorelai Gilmore

      Work! Honestly, I think that before you have kids, you should really lean in and take names at work. Go to conferences. Volunteer to help out at trials. It is so much harder to do that stuff when you have children- I wish I had gotten a little more experience under my belt before having kids and having to constantly juggle. There’s a luxury in just being able to do awesome work without worrying about what’s going on at home.

    • Cb

      That’s a great question. I’m thinking about travel for the upcoming year and don’t know if we should try and add something more adventurous to the list.

    • KateL

      Relative to J Crew/Ann Taylor/BR sizing, I wear 1-2 sizes larger in MM LaFleur. In the mall store brands I’d be a 4 or 6 (curvy/5’6″/32D/size 27 in jeans). In a-line MM styles I buy a 6 and in more fitted sheaths I buy an 8.

    • Chris

      If you email them and request a box of dresses to try on in various sizes, they will accomodate, you don’t have to buy them upfront.

    • EB0220

      Thank you! I ordered a Bento box and told them my Ann Taylor size, so we’ll see what shows up! Looking forward to it.

  10. I wish I could rock the blush :(

    I ordered a blazer I love from Nordstrom – TopShop peplum blazer in blush. It’s a slightly darker blush, which looks better on me than the paler blush shades, but it’s still not the best color for me (pastels tend to wash me out more, I look better in jewel tones). But I like it, and I want to ride the blush train…can I justify keeping something that doesn’t look the *best* on me? Because it’s a pretty color and I like it?

    • NYC tech

      Yes! You could always add a colorful/dark accessory near your face (scarf, necklace, big earrings), or wear darker lipstick & brows with that blazer, if it doesn’t feel quite right otherwise.

      • I wish I could rock the blush :(

        I am going to experiment with this tonight. I think darker brows would make a difference for sure.

    • Bonnie

      No. If it doesn’t look “best” on you, you will not feel confident in the jacket. You can try the blush trend in ways that suit your more, like a skirt or pants.

      • Baconpancakes

        This was going to be my suggestion – I can’t really do blush, either. The closest I can get is a true pale pink. But I adore my blush flats and would get a blush skirt or pants if I wanted more of that color.

      • Anonymous

        Agree with this. I don’t wear tops or jackets in unflattering colors.

      • PandaMom

        +1. You never like an item more than you do on the day you buy it. If you’re unsure about it, it likely will become one of those items you love in your closet….until you put it on. And then it never looks right so you put it back on the hanger. Over and over and over until you finally purge and donate. I’d say return it for something you feel and look fabulous in!

  11. Outfit Help

    As a mid-20s preppy lawyer, my wardrobe is almost completely pencil skirts and sheath dresses. I have to go to a birthday party at a hipster bar – I have no idea what to wear. Help! Thanks ladies!

    • Mpls

      Pencil skirt, flannel shirt and converse sneakers. or whatever you are comfortable in.

        • Mpls

          Eh, I was going for a combination of what she normally wears + hipster. Shrug – I didn’t know hipsters were known for being especially flashy.

          I guess I should clarify what the OP means by a “hipster bar” – snobby craft beers or dive-y?

          • moss

            I think maybe you are getting hipster and grunge confused? Hipsters are pretty flashy I think, with their bowling shirts and oxfords and whatnot.

          • Baconpancakes

            There are a lot of different types of hipster, and apparently now hipster is out and yuccie is in.

            Regardless, plaid shirts are ALWAYS acceptable in hipster circles, and hipsters are definitely into comfortable shoes.

          • Carrie...

            From what I’ve seen, basically yuppies trying to be hip and socially conscious.

          • Anonattorney

            It’s definitely yuccie time here in Portland. Style-wise, I’d say it’s a blend of preppier work-wear/yuppie style, plus a bit of hipster grunge, plus festival-wear (i.e., Coachella). If I were a yuccie, I’d probably wear a high-waisted pencil skirt with a crop top, bun up my hair, and wear flats.

      • Anonymous

        I’m sorry, but pencil skirt with flannel and sneakers says “I brought an outfit to change into after work but forgot the jeans”

    • Anonymous

      I would wear skinny jeans, heels and an interesting top (could be a nice t-shirt or a sleeveless blouse).

    • CountC

      A mustache/extravagant facial hair, a monocle/plastic framed glasses, a beanie, a plaid shirt, and skinny jeans tucked into/rolled above lumberjack boots. Add a murse for extra bonus points!

      Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

    • lucy stone

      I agree with Mpls, but assuming you don’t want to be a lumbersexual hipster, I tend to wear a normal going out shirt with an olive green blazer when I hang out with my hipster friends…or I wear that weird thing in my closet that I love but can’t ever figure out what to wear. My husband universally wears an oxford shirt and jeans or khakis and just don’t care.

    • AR

      NOT really hispter, but I don’ think people will really notice since they know you and probably don’t expect you to dress like a hipster. So I would say go in what you feel comfortable in .. if you are going after work you could just wear one of your more fun sheath dresses and a funky piece of jewelry and cute flats to match. That way you don’t have to buy something you might not wear again, and you will be comfortable. Same on the weekend just wear your normal pants/shirt and then make it extra fun with the accessories.

    • LilyS

      If a casual hipster bar on a weeknight, I’d wear a pencil skirt with a nerdy t-shirt (I’m thinking of my Ravenclaw one) and a cute cardigan. And I’d put my hair up into a tuck thing (around a hair band) and amp up the lipstick and mascara.

    • Outfit Help

      haha thanks ladies. This has been really entertaining. I think I’ll probably just stick with jeans and a nice top. I wanted to wear a skirt or dress because I like dressing up on the weekends in non-work clothes but that’s probably overkill for this party.

  13. anyanony

    Pretty dress but not for work. With the exception of c@cktail dresses, I usually like my dresses to do double-duty with a change of jewelry/accessories/shoes.

  14. Wildkitten

    If I think my dog has allergies should I take her to the vet or just start feeding her hypoallergenic food as a test?

    • Clementine

      I’d switch the food and schedule a vet appointment for about a month out. I’d then keep a journal/keep track of the symptoms and how they come and go and such, including details like did she get a bath, did she go swimming, etc.

      Sincerely, someone whose dog is on a daily dose of generic Zyrtec and it made so many things better.

    • Anonymous

      So you can do a few different things. But sadly, the regular vets don’t generally do allergy workups; you’ll have to go to a specialist (derm) for that. I’d make the appointment now (it can take 6 weeks to 3 months depending on where you live). I think you’re in DC, so I’d be happy to give you my full blown allergy experience with my pet if you post your email.

      Basically, you can do a food elimination diet, but it’s still a pain. Start by cutting out the chicken, then all poultry. It takes a min of 6 weeks each time you switch. Also, if you feed dry, consider switching to wet since animals with allergies tend to be allergic to some of the mold/mites that can occur in dry food.

      On the plus side, if you try switching diets (you may need an RX for some of the royal canine diets) you can save yourself some money on the allergy test side. But really the whole thing is pretty expensive. And then meds. Whew! But it’s totally worth it. My cat is 100 times better.

      • Wildkitten

        Wildkittenr3tt3@ g m a i l dot c o m with e’s instead of 3’s

        Thanks! I appreciate all the feedback, the google results were too overwhelming.

    • Bee

      Vet. You might be able to give her an OTC allergy med that will clear up the issue. If that doesn’t work, they can prescribe a food that will work best. Ymmv, but my cat’s Rx food is cheaper than most of the non-Rx hypoallergenic foods. It was more expensive up front because of the office visits, but it’s saved me something like $10/mo for the past 4 years.

    • Anonymous

      Food allergies in dogs are actually pretty rare, and I would be really wary of any of the prescription foods sold by the vet–Hills Science Diet is a big one and it is absolute nutritional garbage.

    • mascot

      I’ve got extensive experience with this thanks to my older dog. So, dogs can have food sensitivities and environmental allergies. They don’t generally test for food allergies and you just do elimination diets (grains, corn, sometimes chicken, are all triggers). There are a lot of junk ingredients in so many dog foods, mostly with the grains and meal ingredients. We feed a grain free, limited ingredient, fish based kibble. You can also get more novel proteins if needed (duck, venison, kangaroo, bison, etc). Make sure the treats you give meet those criteria as well. There are a couple of websites out there that will extensively discuss the grain free food. There’s some debate as to the quality of the prescription dog foods.

      My dog’s symptoms were constant ear infections and staph skin infections. OTC anti-histamines and prescriptions for ears and skin didn’t stop the recurrence or her discomfort. We finally went to a dog dermatologist and got a skin patch test for the environmental allergies. She’s allergic to basically everything (grass, dust mites, trees, and about a dozen other things). They gave us custom allergy shots to inject at home and after a few months, she was a new dog. It’s been 4+ years and we haven’t had another skin infection and fewer ear issues (her breed is prone to ear issues). I wish I had spent the money sooner to get this done.
      For maintenance (or milder cases), that dermatologist recommended fish oil supplements, wiping her paws when she came in, regular cleaning of bedding and reduction of dust mites in the house, and using OTC allergy medication. during the pollen seasons. He encouraged us to continue with the grain free food since a) grains aren’t great for dogs regardless, and b) dogs with environmental allergies probably have some food sensitivity as well. He also warned us that the allergies can change with time and geography.

      I’d probably start with a diet change (over a week to avoid tummy upsets) and some of the previous suggestions.

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