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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 87 Comments · by

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Colorblock Ponte 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. J.Crew Factory Colorblock Ponte DressThe entire site at J.Crew Factory is on sale from 40-60% off (prices as marked), and there's a lot of good stuff. I like this gray and black colorblock ponte dress, available in regular and petite sizes 00-16. Love the sleeves, the hemline, the flattering colorblock details, and the jewelneck neckline. It's “valued at $118,” but is now marked to $46.50. Factory colorblock ponte dress Here are two similar options in plus sizes. Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail [email protected].

Sales of note for 8.30.24

  • Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
  • Ann Taylor – 30% off full-price purchase; $99 jackets, dresses & shoes; extra 50% off sale
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Bergdorf Goodman – Final Days Designer Sale, up to 75% off; extra 20% off sale
  • Boden – 20% off
  • Brooks Brothers – Extra 25% off clearance
  • Eloquii – Up to 60% off everything; extra 60% off all sale
  • J.Crew – 40% off sitewide; extra 60% off sale styles
  • J.Crew Factory – Extra 20% off orders $125+; extra 60% off clearance; 60%-70% off 100s of styles
  • Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off (ends 9/2)
  • Madewell – Extra 40% off sale; extra 50% off select denim; 25% off fall essentials
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Rothy's – End of season sale, up to 50% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear in the big sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 25% off regular-price purchase; 70% off clearance
  • White House Black Market – Up to 70% off sale

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Comments

  1. Paging Baconpancakes

    How will you use your waterproof boots—as your main pair of flat black boots or only when it rains/snows? I’m trying to think of a reason one wouldn’t just buy waterproof boots and wear them all the time…but maybe there is one.

    On this dress- I think I would like it more if the grey extended to the bottom of the dress. The current design makes it look like an apron.

    • Jumpingjack

      I find my waterproof boots to be a little hot, so they’re not as comfortable when the weather’s in the 40s or above.
      Agree on the dress. I love colorblock, but this looks like an apron.

    • Baconpancakes

      I’m very much a multi-tasking purchaser. I see no need to have two pairs of flat tall black boots. The blondos looked great; just going to have to wait for a sale and hunt around! I was a little hesitant because I know nothing about that brand.

      • Susie

        Coincidentally I saw a pair of brown suede Blondo tall boots at DSW last night. I was tempted, they fit well and seemed comfortable, but I wasn’t familiar with the brand so didn’t go for it.

      • Marie

        I have two pairs of Blondo waterproof short boots, and I’ve been really happy with them. They are well made, and they have really stayed waterproof even after several years of wear.

  3. Foley Lardner v. Mintz

    Reposting my message from yesterday, hoping for a few more responses. A huge thanks to those who responded (and especially to the person who emailed me in great detail, I really appreciate it!!).

    I am a mid-level in BigLaw, looking to transition to another law firm in their general lit practice. I’m fortunate to have two offers, from Mintz Levin and Foley Lardner. East coast office (not NY). I’d love to hear an honest perspective from anyone who currently or formerly worked at either of these firms. Interested in how hard people work (any sweatshop mentality?), general culture, openness toward women/minorities, whether there is a face time expectation, respect for an attorney’s vacation/personal time, etc. They both seem like great firms and I am struggling to make a decision.

    If you prefer, please email me your feedback at lateraldecision108 at gmail

  4. anon

    My sense is that Mintz (at least in NY) is a total boys club- only one female litigation partner and maybe 2 female associates- not sure how the other offices are. Work-life balance seems to be ok though.

  5. Modern, stylish slipcovers

    We just bought a beautiful contemporary sofa and dining room table chairs from Room and Board and we are looking for stylish, modern slipcovers (I have a 20 month old and a baby on the way). We live in Boston, if anyone has local recommendations. Our preference is to buy on-line if possible. Most of the slipcovers I have seen online look pretty traditional/old fashioned. We are looking for a snug fit that hugs the furniture. Thanks.

      • mmm

        That seems like the best idea to me. Every time I’ve purchased premade slipcovers, they just look messy (unless they are made by the company to go with the chair, like Ikea does on some chairs, then it fits exactly). The smallest difference in measurements can make the slip cover look really sloppy. I’ve sworn them off. But if you’re married to the idea, I think custom is the way to go.

      • Modern, stylish slipcovers

        Any recs for someone specific on Etsy who will do this? I find the site overwhelming.

    • Anonymous

      have you checked with Room & Board? At one point they sold slipcovers for many of their sofas.

      • Katie

        I’d check with them, too. Their customer service is fantastic and they have great connections with their manufacturers. I had to call them when we moved and our bed from there somehow lost a connector in the process. Even though the bed isn’t sold there anymore, they were able to track down the part and sent it to us free of cost. LOVE Room and Board’s service.

  6. Athleta yoga-type pants

    Does anyone have experience with Athleta’s yoga-type pants? Some of them look like good Beta-brand pant substitutes and they have some Polartech pants (maybe polartech leggings). Like? Love? Any sizing pointers?

    The models do not look like me, but it seems from comments on their website that many wearers are regular people (many even seniors), so I am hopeful that their items will work as weekend wear for me.

    • S

      I am a huge fan but styles can really vary. I order a ton of different ones and then just return those I don’t like at the store near me (but they have free return shipping anyway). I am normally a size 14/16 and am pretty consistently an xl. My favorite: I live in the Bettona boyfriend styles around the house and don’t hesitate running an errand or two in them. The fabric is quite different winter to summer styles, so you’ll have to try to see which you like best. I own both and like them for different things. (One feels rougher and more pants like, if that makes sense.) Not that you asked, but I also really like Columbia’s Just Right pants for this sort of thing as well and they run cheaper (lighter-weight fabric, so usually wear during warmer weather).

      • Senior Attorney

        I haven’t tried their yoga pants but I live in their running knickers at the gym. Sizing seems to be reasonable or maybe a bit on the big side – I’m a 2 in skirts and pants and their XS fits me just fine.

    • ac

      I have a few Athleta items, and while I like them, the sizing is extremely inconsistent — like I’m normally a S/M in tops, but a supposed-to-be-fitted workout top from Athleta was so oversized that I could wear it in my 3rd trimester of pregnancy!

      If you have an Athleta store near you, I would try to go and try on.

    • January

      I have some fleece-lined leggings from them I bought last winter, which were perfect for wearing around the house last winter and if it was cold enough , for running outdoors. I usually take a M in their bottoms and wear a 4-6 in regular clothes.

    • Bonnie

      I love Athleta and have been very happy with the quality. The sizing seems to be in line with other athletic clothing for me.

    • Diana Barry

      I have several things from them. I take a M Tall in their pants and I am 5’8″ and wear a 6 pant in J Crew, if that helps. The Polartec leggings are GREAT but v thick, if that makes sense, and they fall down on me bc the waist is too big relative to the rise. But so nice and warm!

      I would order a bunch of stuff and return some if needed. I find their sizing consistent through their pants, but the shirts/workout tops are not always consistent.

  7. TO Lawyer

    Any suggestions for fitted sweaters to wear at work? I really like the fit of the jcrew tippi but the sleeves don’t reach my wrists and my forearms are cold! I don’t want to wear anything bulky at work but I would really like a sweater that covers my arms (is this unreasonable?!)

    • Sweater help

      I love the Gap Luxlight sweaters (I heard about them here on Corporette!). In fact, I wore one to work yesterday and got lots of compliments. But it doesn’t look like there are any for sale on their website right now? Only the cardigan version :(

    • A Nonny Moose

      I (surprisingly) really like BR’s merino sweater. Link to follow. They’re about the same weight as the tippi but full length arms and a little longer. I have them in many colors and in two sizes– my usual for wearing at work and in a size larger for wearing with leggings. When I sized up I found it didn’t get much bulkier but did get longer. I find them to be very flattering and cut well for my figure at least.

    • big dipper

      I love the Uniqlo merino wool sweaters. They come in crew (more like a scoop neck) and v-neck, come in a million colors and are reasonably priced.

      • Jules

        +1 to this. I bought three of the Uniqlo merino V-necks when they were on sale a couple of weeks ago, love them. The sleeves are a bit long for me (I’m not quite a t-rex, but close). Wearing the pink one (which is an orchid-y pink) right now!

      • TO Lawyer

        Are these less boxy than the cashmere sweaters? I have a few of the uniqlo cashmere sweaters but they’re really boxy on me.

        Thanks for all the suggestions ladies!

        • Jules

          I don’t find them boxy; I’m large of chest/hour-glassy and they’re fairly form fitting (but still SFW).

    • Anon

      Joe fresh merino. Thick enough that they are opaque but thin enough not to be bulky.

    • Susie

      Sorry to TJ, I’m looking for fitted sweaters that hit right at the hip, everything is too long on me so recs for those as well!

  8. Fillers?

    Ugh — I have noticed that I am looking not-young (which is fair, since I am in my 40s). Has anyone tried fillers? The crease from my nose to the corners of my mouth is not working well with my dimples and and it all looks a bit deflated not-great.

    I’ve experimented with botox on my frownies in the past (but just there). I seem to want to leave no obvious trace of work and not have to deal with any time off from work / recovery time issues (so anything that leaves bruising or can look slightly off is a non-starter).

    • Anon

      Do it. Done well they take a decade off. Research your doc but do it. I’m 43 and people are shocked when they find out. Botox is definitely partly to thank.

      • Fillers?

        Is there any downtime / bruising / things to think about (other than research the doctor)?

        And which filler?

        • Basics

          Juvederm along the lip line on the upper lip and in the nasolabial folds. Doesn’t hurt any more than Botox. Same chances of tiny bruising as Botox. Only have to do every 16-18 months. Use a dermatologist who does a lot of it and emphasize that you want a natural look.

        • Anon

          I have only done botox (which isn’t a filler but a paralyzing agent that stops wrinkles and acts a little more naturally) & haven’t had any bruising. There’s a little redness after at the injection points, but I just put on a little foundation and that does the trick.

    • yes, but.....

      Do inquire about bruising. I’ve done fillers a few times and while I liked the results (smoothed things out, was really nice), there was definitely bruising from the injections. I don’t usually bruise easily, so was surprised, but it did take a week or more for the bruising to fade. Another factor is it can get super expensive over time if you decide to keep it up.

    • My experience

      I have had fillers and there is always some bruising. The last time I ended up with a large bruise that didn’t go away for more than week, and elicited numerous “What happened to your face?” comments. And I always have it done by a board certified dermatologist. I am hesitant to do it again because of that. And it definitely hurt more than Botox.

  9. anonfish

    Has anyone actually bought anything from The Limited’s Scandal collection? Some of the blazers are interesting, as well as the shells- though the shells don’t look like great quality and I’m wary of 100% poly. Any comments?

    • Idea

      CapHillStyle has covered this more in-depth – she thinks there’s a few winners but overall quality is Not There.

      Not my size or current style so sorry I can’t help more.

  11. homebody

    We’re having a dinner party tonight and I’m debating how to run things. 9 people (plus two more possible) are coming at 7.30, with two more friends coming later on. Our kitchen table sits 8 with the extension, but we only have 7 chairs. We also have a bench, so we miight be able to squish 9 folks at the table. Should I try for a sit-down formal meal, or just let people plop themselves in the living room/stand around/wherever? Can we use the pretty paper plates/cups/forks we bought to avoid dishes, or is that tacky? Everyone is in their mid/late 20s, no kids, and from fairly separate friend groups. It’s a housewarming/birthday party, so I want things to be nice but not stuffy.

    FWIW, menu is olives and crostini (caponata, white bean) as apps, lasagna (a bolognese and a butternut squash) and kale salad, and red wine chocolate cake + coconut macaroons. lots of cocktails and wine.

    • Bonnie

      Potluck style is ok so long as people have a place to put their plates. Lasagna on paper plates in laps is a recipe for disaster.

    • Meg Murry

      Do you have some kind of TV tables or side tables to use as extra tables? I personally could not eat lasagna off my lap or standing – I would make a huge mess and then feel terrible that I just spilled lasagna on your couch and my shirt. And especially not off paper plates.

      I’m not formal, so I wouldn’t be offended by paper plates, and I hate doing dishes so I totally get it.

      • Senior Attorney

        Yes, I’d try for two tables if possible so everyone can sit down. Maybe run to Target and pick up a couple of folding chairs? (When I was married 30 years ago somebody gave us a folding card table and four folding chairs and it was the best present ever. Came in so handy for situations like this.)

    • TXLawyer

      If it were me, I’d be so relieved to come to an after work Friday dinner party and see pretty paper plates and comfortable casual seating.
      Just keep in mind that if you’re entertaining separate friend groups and also doing casual plop down wherever seating, you’ll have to be more aware of people breaking off into groups of people they already know well and having to manage 2 or 3 mini-dinner parties.

      • Baconpancakes

        I throw a lot of smaller dinner parties (I only have 7 chairs, so that’s my max!), and I find people make conversation across friends groups more easily around a table than in a living room, due to the forced close contact of being around a table. On couches and chairs, it’s easier to clump into a group you already know.

    • mascot

      Run by target/walmart on the way home and get a card table set. It’s made for this and you can store it under a bed.
      I don’t mind disposable dishes, but I think the heavier plastic ones are more versatile. Save the pretty patterns for napkins and such.

  12. Anonymous

    Can I vent for a minute – why on earth would anyone think it’s acceptable to say “I didn’t see it so I can’t comment” in response to a woman stating that a man attacked her? It is not “neutral;” it is not “maintaining both friendships.” It’s saying “well maybe you’re lying/did something to invite it/it’s somehow your fault.” You are NOT a friend to the victim if you tell her that. You ARE picking sides – his side. And do not act like the resultant damage to your friendship is the victim’s fault. Such crazymaking BS.

    • Wildkitten

      This is a good example of “rape culture” (even if this specific incident isn’t a rape).

    • Anon for this

      I saw this happen in my friendship group where the woman said x happened and the man said it definitively did not happen. We were all friends with both. I sided with the woman because I was closer with her and had also considered this guy a tad sketchy. However, I can also respect that if someone was wrongly accused of something as egregious as an assault, they would hope that their friends would stand by them and know them better than that and defend them. I think we all have a guy we love and trust so much that if someone accused them and they said adamantly “I did not do this” that we would stand by them. And we all have friends that we would believe no matter what if they said they were attacked. What do you do when the two of them are both your friends? You can’t stay friends with both. How do you pick which one to believe?

  13. SuziStockbroker

    I need a darkish grey jacket to wear over dresses in the office and I am really having a tough time finding one.

    I have grey suit jackets but they all look like a suit jacket.

    I have a beautiful charcoal jacket (that was actually part of a dress/jacket suit) that has a very muted faint blue (more) and brown (less) plaid pattern. It goes with a LOT, but it is 4 years old and the elbows are now quite a bit lighter than the rest of the jacket.

    Any recommendations? I would like to pay between $200-400 ish.

    TIA

  14. Happy Dance

    Going anon to avoid outing myself, but just found out I got the promotion I’ve been waiting for, with a 10% pay bump! Yay!

  15. Jetlag

    Any suggestions on how to get rid of it? I’m back in the US after a trip to Asia and I don’t think I’ve ever had it this bad before. I took Benadryl to sleep, but still don’t feel rested.

    • roses

      Melatonin. It helps regulate your circadian rhythms. Do all you can to stay up until a halfway reasonable hour (9 or so, perhaps) and then pop one. Make sure you have some sunlight in the room – you should wake up with the sun in the morning.

    • Anon

      When I have to get up I make sure to turn on not just my bedside lamp, but every light in my apartment before going through the getting ready routine. At night I do the exact opposite, I get home and turn on very few lights and try to keep my phone/computer usage to a minimum.

      Some family friends that have to do intercontinental travel 2-3 times a month actually bought and SAD light box and use it at the time of the day that they are having to fight sleep, and that seems to have helped them. If you are in the North, then you might have one already lying around.

      Also it makes it worse the longer you try to stretch out the process IMO. I get back on US time the day I travel/fly and then do whatever it takes to make myself be 100% on the schedule I would normally be on the day I get back. Not always possible with flight times, but I would rather struggle for a day or two from having to pull and all-nighter than fight jetlag for a week.

    • S

      Try to get light into your daytime activity. This is going to sound weird, but I swear by upping the brightness on your computer screen, phone, etc.

    • Anonymous

      Fast for 24 hours or as long as you can if you can’t make it, then eat only at normal meal hours.

      • Anon

        That is horrible advice. Eat at normal meal hours, yes. Fast for 24 hours, completely unhealthy.

  16. Anonymous

    I’m 21 weeks pregnant and one of our administrative assistants (she’s lucky she’s 65 and cute) said the following to me:

    “Oh my gosh, I went away for a week and you got huge! You’re HUGE!!! Oh my gosh, you’re b**bs are HUGE too!”

    All I could say is “I’m not sure what adjective you’re going to use to describe me in about 10 more weeks”.

    I’m pregnant with twins – I’m going to be HUGE. Her comment didn’t bother me much because I know I’m not huge. I’ve only gained 13 pounds so far (I trying really, really hard to gain weight because it’s recommended with twins). But when I really am feeling like a whale these comments might feel different.

    Not looking for any advice, I just couldn’t believe she said that!!!!

    • Bee

      I expect to gain more weight over the holidays than you have gained in your pregnancy thus far. You are not HUGE.

    • Blonde Lawyer

      I have been that person obliviously telling someone they were huge without realizing it would be an insult. What, you ask? How could that not be an insult? In my (never pregnant) mind, I thought it was obvious I was commenting on how much the baby/babies were growing and how great that is and that this is obviously a temporary thing. That you are supposed to be growing while growing babies and that goes away when the babies go away lol. So, OMG you are totally showing is OMG babies! Not OMG FAT! I am now much more aware that we shouldn’t be commenting on women’s bodies ever but I swear, the person who spoke to you was probably trying to compliment you on your good job growing those babies.

      I also insulted someone once by not recognizing them and saying, oh, I didn’t recognize you because the last time I saw you, you were very pregnant with twins. Again, I thought that was an okay observation. Someone not pregnant is likely going to be smaller than they were when pregnant with twins but whatever.

    • Anonyc

      This might out me–it’s my favorite story–but when 7 months old with No. 2, my MIL once greeted me by saying “Hey, fatty!” (I was not especially fat, plus OMFG that is not okay to say to someone under any circumstances.) That I did not respond in with something equally insulting is amazing to me even today.

      • Anon in NYC

        OMG. No words for that.

        My MIL apparently tried to compliment my SIL after the birth of one of her children by saying something to the effect of how she looked so thin/tiny/small. SIL sent her a harsh email afterwards yelling at her for even *thinking* about her size. So, kudos to you for keeping it in!

      • IVF

        Ha, that happened to me, but it was my husband’s college friend (a woman with a four-year-old child!!!) who said it. I think my several-second-long stunned silence got the point across that she had been rude (even though I believe she meant it in a friendly, jokey way).

      • Burgher

        My Mom told my son, early in my pregnancy (so I had only gained about 3 pounds at this point), “did you see how fat mommy is getting?!” and has since said things like “I bet you can’t wait to have this baby so you can get skinny again!” Gee, can’t imagine why I’d have body issues growing up…

  17. Serafina

    My Mom told my son, early in my pregnancy (so I had only gained about 3 pounds at this point), “did you see how fat mommy is getting?!” and has since said things like “I bet you can’t wait to have this baby so you can get skinny again!” Gee, can’t imagine why I’d have body issues growing up…

    • Anonymous

      Skill isn’t needed too much. It’s a lining and won’t be seen but is pretty easy anyway. I could do it with my moderate/upper level sewing skills. Basically, one would remove the lining by removing the stitching line(s), take the pieces apart, tape/sew the holes/gaps in old lining, then use the old lining as a pattern to cut the new one. Stitch up the new one and then blind-stitch the new one onto the facings of the coat. Tack in place. Done.

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