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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. This dress at Boden looks really cute. I actually like the white version more, but we’re featuring the navy because it feels more appropriate for January. (Did you see yesterday’s post on what to wear to work in the winter?) It has a lot going for it: It has two real pockets and a concealed back zip and is fully lined. (It’s 100% cotton except for the polyester/elastane lining.) Note that it’s labeled dry clean only and not dry clean, although you can still try to machine wash. The dress is $170 and comes in petite, regular, and long sizes. Jane Textured Dress Here are lower-priced options in regular and plus sizes. This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support! Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com.Workwear sales of note for 4.18.24
Our favorites are in bold!
- Ann Taylor – 50% off full-price dresses, jackets & shoes; $30 off pants & skirts; extra 50% off sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything; extra 20% off purchase
- Boden – 25% off through 4/18; 15% off 4/19-20; 10% off 4/21
- Eloquii – 50% off select styles; 60% off swim; up to 40% off everything else
- Everlane – Spring Sale: up to 60% off 600+ styles
- J.Crew – Mid-Season Sale: Extra 60% off sale styles; up to 50% off spring-to-summer styles
- J.Crew Factory – Extra 20% off $125+; extra 25% of $150+; up to 60% off everything; extra 50% off clearance
- Nordstrom – Free 2-day shipping for a limited time (on eligible items)
- Talbots – Spring Sale: 40% off + extra 15% off all markdowns; 30% off new T by Talbots
- White House Black Market – 25% off entire purchase; $50 off $200
Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…
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SF in House
I will be in London next week for work, staying in Soho. Any advice for what to do in the evening? I haven’t been as a tourist for several years, but recall that most museums and some shops are not open in the evening.
Marie
Go to the theater! London is the best city for plays in the entire world, if you ask me, rivaled only by NYC. You will be staying in the West End neighborhood, within walking distance of something like ten theater houses. Look up Time Out London for what’s playing.
Antonia Saint shoes
Has anyone tried Antonia Saint shoes? Reviews?
Return tights?
I spent $40 at Macy’s on January 5th on two pairs of tights, one of which was a pricey Calvin Klein run-resistant brand. Now three weeks later, both have runs — the CK ones have holes in the leg, and the other pair tore in the inner thigh area. Am I crazy to try to return these? I don’t have the receipt, because who returns tights? But $40 isn’t cheap, and they should’ve at least lasted a month, right? I’m well within the size chart noted on the back.
Words of wisdom appreciated!
Anonymous
Yeah, that would be a no. Super unethical.
Anon
It’s not unethical unless OP is planning to hide the fact that she wore them already. As long as she tells them what happened, I don’t see the problem. I doubt they’ll take them back, but I don’t think it’s unethical to ask.
Anonymous
+1. It’s never unethical if you are completely honest. If the store wants to take them back knowing that you’ve worn them, that’s their choice. It’s only unethical if you lie or omit important facts (like the fact that they’ve been worn X number of times).
Anon
I think it’s fine if you’re planning to be upfront with them about the fact they you wore them and they have runs in them already. They might say no, but you never know unless you ask.
Anonymous
No. That’s absurd. Tights run. All tights. Don’t buy such spendy ones if this is an issue. I mean try if you want but I’d laugh at you.
Anonymous
I don’t think it’s absurd at all. $40 tights shouldn’t run in the first few wears, and I suspect Macy’s will be open to giving at least a discount if not a refund.
Anonymous
Not $40 tights. Two pairs for $40-ish.
Flats Only
Not true! My tights last for years, and they get pilly and the waistband fails before they run. I always size up, since I don’t want them to be TOO tight, so maybe that means there’s less stress on them.
Anonymous
Rather than trying to return them send an angry letter to the manufacturer.
Elegant Giraffe
+1, kind of. I probably wouldn’t try to return them to Macy’s at this point. But I might call/email CK to complain about quality and ask what they are willing to do about it.
Anonymous
No, I wouldn’t try to return them.
I would ask myself…. why did I just run two completely different pairs of new tights? How are you washing them, drying them? Are you are little rough with them/pull hard on them, have long nails, wear anything that could be rubbing etc…?
Because it’s not reasonable to expect Macy’s to reimburse these… two completely different types of tights… already worn… with no receipt.
tesyaa
I’d attempt it, because this is a reputable retailer and as you say, they weren’t cheap. I don’t know if they’ll take them back or not obvs, but the sales team should recognize they’re a current style and not something 2 years old you’re trying to return. Good luck.
Anon
I got a run in a pair of Commando tights after only one or two wearings. Took them back to Nordstrom and explained the situation, and they were returned, no questions asked. But then Nordstrom has its reputation for easy returns – can’t guarantee you’d get the same at Macy’s, but I think it’s worth a try.
Anonymous
I will go on record and say that I no longer shop at Macy’s because of their return policy. I will spread that message far and wide. The problem was in the manufacturing, but Macy’s should have taken the item back and taken it up with the maker.
Madewell
I am trying to find a pair of black skinny jeans that are actually jeans, not leggings. I have a straight figure and can’t do high-rise styles. Is it worth trying the Madewell 8″ rise skinny jean, or does Madewell run curvy?
Anonymous
To all my world travelers :) traveling to London and Prague this week. I should have a travel adapter for my IPhone. Passport. Bank knows I’m going. AT&T international day pass is on for phone and text. Anything I’m forgetting?
Cat
A basic extension cord (not surge protector) — so you can get 3 outlets using only one plug-shape-converter thing. Most electronics can charge on either voltage but check the fine print.
Anonymous
Sounds like you’re set! I might add: 1) In Google Maps on your phone, download the maps of London and Prague into your “offline areas” now, so that you don’t need to use expensive roaming data for this later; 2) Check availability of Lyft/Uber in London and Prague. If not available, download the local taxi and/or public transit apps. 3) Download apps for the airlines you will fly with.
BabyAssociate
+1 to the Google Maps offline areas! Uber works in Prague, but Lyft does not.
Elegant Giraffe
I would suggest maps.me app instead of google maps. Entirely offline, still does step-by-step navigation without roaming charges. (I believe google maps will track you but won’t do step-by-step navigation while offline.) Still will need to download London and Prague maps now or once you are at hotel/on wifi at destination.
Anonymous
AT&T international pass means you can use data at the same rates you usually pay, so don’t worry about saving to maps to offline areas. If it turns out coverage is more spotty than you expected, you can always download on wifi at your hotel.
Aquae Sulis
Uber was banned in London, at the end of last year, so that might not be available (they were launching an appeal the last I heard).
Anonymous
I think those are the essentials! One thing to add: bring a little power bank with you. It’s good if you need to re-charge anything on the flight, and if you’re using your phone a ton during the day it can give you that nice mid-afternoon charge so you don’t need to worry about finding a plug anywhere other than in your hotel room. And my international adapter has 2 USB ports in the top, so I can charge my phone, iPad, and a third thing all at the same time. Also, make sure you have the latest version of Google Translate downloaded, so that you can hold your phone over a sign and the translation will appear on your screen.
Also toss a couple of granola bars, a little bottle of hand sanitizer, and a packet of kleenex in your purse, and you should be all set!
Anonymous
Thanks everyone! Great ideas here. Wouldn’t have thought of the offline maps in particular but wish I’d known for prior trips!
Blueberries
If you have a chip and pin card, bring it and know your pin. I think the new US chip cards are chip and signature, which is less useful. I’m not sure, though. Anyone who has traveled abroad much recently know?
Cat
In France, we used our chip and pin only at unattended kiosks like the metro. At restaurants, museums, etc. our regular chip and signature card worked fine.
EM84
Never take “the official fixed taxi” from Prague airport – they are a true ripp-off. Call any other comoany or take Uber (airport fix taxi to city center = 700 Czech crowns and more, other servise will be roughly 450 crowns).
I would also avoid money exchange services and would rather withdraw money from a regular ATM machine. You will be able to pay with card in most places (except for tiny shops or tourist memorabilia).
AnotherAnon
Dual voltage hair styling tools if you use them – don’t want to fry your hotel room
AnotherAnon
Aaand this was for world travelling above^
Hospital support?
Does anyone have ideas for how to support a friend whose baby is very ill and in the hospital? I want to support her but they have a lot of family and friends so I don’t want to be a nuisance.
Anonymous
Does she have Amazon Prime for videos and channels? She might like if you bought her a subscription to Starz, HBO, and the like to watch on her phone or tablet. Headphones too. I watch a lot of TV this way when my chronically ill husband is hospitalized.
Anon
Tell her you’re thinking of her. Continue to follow up with little texts or emails that require no answer from her. (You can even say that – no need to answer me, I know you have more important things to do, I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and sending positive thoughts.)
If she responds, ask if she would like you to come visit/bring her some food or coffee or anything else she needs.
I have unfortunately been in this exact situation, and not with a good outcome. I had too many visitors in the beginning and not enough towards the end. The people I remember were the people who did the specific things I needed help with. And the people who just sent me a nice note every once in a while to cheer me up.
Hospital support?
Thank you so much, this is really helpful.
Anon
quick texts, no expectation of response. Ask if you can do [XYZ] for her, which could be anything from feed pets/take in mail, drop off food (“if it would be helpful, I could drop dinner off for you and [family] this week. If that would be helpful, what day would work?”) Or, if there’s a meal train organized, sign up.
Anon
+1 when i was in an unfortunate situation, not spending time at home, and had a million people bringing me food, what I really needed was someone to do my laundry. My friend organized to have her cleaning person come clean my apartment/do my laundry (can’t remember who paid – maybe a few friends pitched in to pay, but it was really about getting the help).
Elegant Giraffe
I’m assuming she’s spending most of her time in the hospital? We recently sent a friend in a similar situation an UberEats gift card and it was well received. You can also think about what she needs done at home that isn’t happening because she isn’t there. Perhaps you volunteer to pick up her mail 3x/week and bring it to the hospital to review. Or…arrange a cleaning service or lawn care. Stuff like that?
Nordstrom return
I got a purse for christmas (from DH, so we have the credit card if not the receipt- but i assume he has the receipt), took the tags off, and wore it once. The straps keep falling off my shoulder, and it’s driving me insane. There is another version of the same bag that has leather non-slippy straps.
Would this sort of exchange be feasible at Nordstrom? The bag is in perfect condition, it is just missing it’s tag (which apparently I threw away like an idiot). It’s a ~$200 bag and I’d like to get use out of it, but I know I’ll avoid it because of the slippage.
Elegant Giraffe
Nordstrom is the absolute best about returns. Go for it.
Anon
Nordstrom is known to be very good with this type of return. I would definitely try it, and I would be fairly surprised if they didn’t accept it.
Anonymous
sigh….
anon
It’s definitely worth trying. I returned a belt there because it started warping after a week of wear. She didn’t even bat an eye.
In Freefall
Saturday night my phone rang– my 17 y/o son’s name popped up. I answered with a cheery Hi Honey! and on the other end was a police officer who was giving my son a citation for simple possession marijuana and paraphenalia. When Son got home we had the first of many long conversations. There were three boys in the car, and three baggies were on the floor at my Son’s feet. He could have been charged with felony PWID. He is an Eagle scout and A/B student who takes AP classes. I know his friends’ parents, and have called them in the past when he was spending the night to be sure that an adult would be keeping an eye on him. Turns out his best friend’s mom, who is well known and popular in our community, was going to bed before they got home and they could sneak in stoned. She also knew that Son’s BF had gotten so drunk a few months ago that he was sick for two days from alcohol. She had reason to believe that friend was smoking pot, but she didn’t take the hard steps to investigate (drug test). I have talked to Son about 100,000 times over the years about the dangers of drugs, pled with him don’t do drugs, talked about how bad alcohol and pot are for the adolescent brain. I did everything I could think of to keep my child safe, from educating him to monitoring his whereabouts (find my iPhone) to talking with other parents, but we live in a cesspool of a society. Drugs and alcohol are everywhere for high school seniors. I am just sick and disappointed and pissed off and terrified and so sad that the little boy I taught to read and rocked to sleep has lied to me and put his entire future at risk. Parents be on guard and fight like hell to keep your child safe. If you have a 16/17 y/o child in America and think it can’t happen to him/her, it probably already has.
Anon
This might not be what you want to hear but maybe instead of approaching this from a “OMG YOU DID POT YOUR LIFE IS OVER” type of reaction, maybe you should just talk to him about how to do it safely (please note, I am not a pot smoker/pro-legalization person at all). I remember when I was 19 my mother was appalled some teenager on a talk show had sex, smoked, drank, smoked pot, and I had to tell her that all those things aren’t really uncommon (and then I promptly ran out of the room before she asked me any specifics haha). If you focus on the idea that you just care that he is SAFE and isn’t risking future (i.e., by driving with drugs and paraphernalia in the car), maybe you can get through to him. If he is going to smoke, he needs to do it somewhere safe, inside, etc. This won’t get better if/when he goes to college. It sounds like you’re a caring mom and I’m sure he doesn’t want to disappoint you, but, like sex, abstinence education isn’t usually the most effective. Good luck.
ohc
I wish I could give both you and your son a hug. I know this is really hard: both because of your worry for your son and because of your (understandable) anger about the deception.
Many, many high-achieving people enjoy (moderate) amounts of alcohol and marijuana without legal or health repercussions. Your son will be okay.
Anonymous
This is so melodramatic. I understand it’s scary and upsetting to get a call from a police officer who is citing your child and you are understandably upset that your teenage son is using drugs, but your reaction seems off the deep end (and I say this as someone who has never smoked pot or used other illegal substances, and did not drink until I was in college). Your “the world is ending” reaction is likely to backfire and only cause your son to withdraw from you more. Your world ends when your child dies or kills someone because he was driving under the influence, not when he gets a citation for possession.
Anon
I agree with the other commenters. This is not the end of the world, at all. I am a mother to a teenager (a daughter, FWIW) and also a criminal defense lawyer. I have represented juvenile clients who have done FAR worse things. Also, I have learned both through my own experience as a teenager, through raising a teenager, and through representing teenagers, that no matter what we do as parents, we cannot completely control what our teenagers do. They are sneaky, impulsive, and their brains cannot adequately weigh risks like an adult can. That said, this is normal teenage behavior and should come with some consequences, but catastrophizing it will only cause your son to pull away. Remember, he is still your sweet boy, even if he has made a bad decision.
OP
You people are shocking. I’m not a dumba$$, I know that there are far worse things in the world and am grateful that it’s not worse. The whole point is that this IS “normal” teenage behavior. Just because it’s “normal” doesn’t mean it’s healthy or good!! If I knew this was all that there would be, that he’s not on a path of lying and sneaking that will lead to hard drugs, then I would be ok. I’m a criminal defense attorney too, have heard all the lies my clients tell their families, have stood beside young men going to prison with their moms beside them. And I know that lots of people drink alcohol and smoke pot and are productive adults who enjoy fulfilling lives. Great for them. Science shows that alcohol and pot change the adolescent brain, which is still developing until 25. There’s no “safe” amount of drugs for teenagers. It’s the attitude that I’m being “melodramatic” in my reaction that demonstrates the problem. Our teenagers live in a moral cesspool.
Anonymous
Maybe you’re shocking? There’s still very weak evidence at best that “pot” (sic) is neurotoxic and I wasn’t able to find any that showed with any confidence that it causes neurochemical chances in developing changes. The “lead to hard drugs” theory has been completely debunked, and overall your hysteria and brim-stoning about a “moral cesspool” make you sound really out of touch and dramatic.
Soleil Sierra Cervantes-Riego
the dress is so cute.
Swift Elle
3 days trip maybe not enough! but it is possible if you can have time management then plan your itinerary ahead of time. Travelling is such a wonderful experience always!