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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. This week's TPS reports come to us from blogger Road Warriorette, who's guest posted with us several times in the past. Thanks for sharing your picks with us this week, RW!
Pencil skirts are a classic silhouette, flattering so many body types. However, they're not always great for travel days because they can make maneuvering through airports a little difficult. This striped Merona Ponte Pencil Skirt from Target eliminates that concern, moving with you and allowing you to haul your suitcase with abandon. I would pair this with a black top and colorful shoes, or a colorful blouse and nude-for-me shoes. Also available in several solid colors, including navy, turquoise, and green. It's $20 at Target. Merona Ponte Pencil Skirt
Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail [email protected].
Blonde Lawyer
Last season target had a skirt just like this but it was just a hidden elastic waist with no zipper. It fits amazing and is just the right length on 5’7″ me. This one looks different. It is shorter and has a zipper. The old one is a great find if they still have it though!
Anonymous
Yay! Fruegel Friday’s! I love Fruegel Friday’s and this Skirt! Great pick, Kat, and at $20, who can go wrong!!!!! Blonde Lawyer may be right, but I have been told to pay cash at Target until they get their computer’s straitened out. They had what dad described as a data breech, where everyone’s data was exposed to 3rd world countrie’s, where peeople use your credit card to charge thing’s in Crimea and place’s like that where you can NOT verify whether the purchaeses were your’s! FOOEY on that.
Dad said the Board of Director’s of Target is in troubel for NOT watcheing out that carfully for this and Butch said his company is advising Target on Corporate Govenence issue’s on that stuff. It is way to complicated for me, so I just said YES, I understand, even tho I had NO idea what he was talking about. Butch want’s me to go to the Hamton’s with him this weekend, but I said no b/c it is to early in the releationship for me to spend a weekend JUST with him, and I know that if I did, he would want to have sex with me. FOOEY b/c Alan did that and I let him and now look what hapened? He is still drinkeing and I got nothing out of it at all. Grandma Leyeh is wondering what hapened to the $ 50,000 she gave me. Dad invested it for me, tho she wanted it to be for “the baby”, but at this point, there is not even a guy in the picture to give me one! DOUBEL FOOEY!
Yesterday, there was a p’ost from some woman who was askeing how many times a day we should have sex with our boyfreind’s and she said she did it 3x a day on the weekend’s and 2x a day on the weekday’s, I think. I would NOT want to have to be their cleaneing lady, b/c she would be in the laundry room every day, sometime’s more. I know that Alan would not be that PROLIFIC, but he alway’s made a mess that I had to deal with, so I would NEVER let Butch turn into another Alan.
I think I will have ROSA get this skirt from Target for me. I am now back to size 2, b/c all the fitbit walkeing has now got my tuchus down to size. The worst that can happen is that it is to tight, and then I can donate the skirt to NY Care’s, and someone else with a smaller tuchus can wear it instead of me! YAY!!!!!!
Have a nice weekend to the HIVE, and Kat and Kate (the new person). My computer is acting up so I may not be abel to post this afternoon, execept mabye from my I-Phone! YAY!!!!!
Bewitched
Why is Ellen Anonymous today? Is it her way of taking a stand in favor of the “Anons”??!!
Bonnie
I have this similar skirt from ON and wear it frequently wiht a chambray shirt. It has an elastic wide waistband so is very comfortable and comes in petite, regular and tall sizes. For reference, I’m 5’4″ and got the petite for weekend wear. http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1011457&vid=1&pid=967641092
NbyNW
The invisible elastic waist (with no zipper) sounds really good – i’ll have to look.
Wildkitten
I got this one at Target (in the store) this season – it’s hidden elastic and long enough on me – but it’s too clingy and I will be returning – http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-womens-knit-midi-skirt-assorted-colors/-/A-15063368#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton
Blonde Lawyer
Mine was similar to this but a thicker ponte/more structured. It came in fun colors.
http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-women-s-refined-pencil-skirt-assorted-colors/-/A-14505085#prodSlot=large_2_10
Sydney Bristow
I’ve been eyeing this skirt but haven’t taken the leap yet. The rule I’ve always heard is that horizontal stripes make you appear wider, which I definitely don’t want since I’m already overweight, but I have some sweaters with horizontal stripes that I think are flattering.
Is there some nuance in what kids of stripes are more flattering? The sweaters have wide stripes in the main color and then narrow stripes in the accent color, if that makes sense. Would something like this with equal size stripes be less flattering?
Sydney Bristow
Related Target question: has anyone tried the Gillian & O’Malley half slip and do you like it? It doesn’t have any reviews online.
S in Chicago
I didn’t like it. I actually threw it out after one use since it kept riding up yet was too loose in the waist. FWIW, I just bought a full slip from GAP after someone mentioned wearing it on here earlier this week–it is awesome. Truly perfect in every way. I plan to try that in a half-style now, too. (The description said A-line, but it doesn’t seem that way to me–so don’t be scared off if you’re worried it will create too much fabric bunching. I was nervous reading the description.)
AIMS
Gap slips are a-mazing. I wish they came in more colors. I recently tried the Uniqlo slip and regretted cheating on Gap immediately. It would not stay in place at all.
AIMS
Good grief, what cause my comment to go into moderation? Is it because I used the word “cheating”?
Anon
Now I’m intrigued!
NWanalyst
I’m always attracted to items with bold patterns, like this one, but then I never wear them. Anything but black or white, with this skirt, would make me feel too conspicuous. And black on top would make my hips look enormous, so I’d end up only wearing it with white (and a black jacket over the top?). Are there alternate ways of styling something like this so that it’s not too attention-grabby?
AIMS
@ Anon at 12:54 – I wish it were that exciting.
Sydney Bristow
I think it was “regret t e d.” I always forget that one!
AIMS
I think it was “regret t e d.” I always forget that one!
Sydney Bristow
Thanks. I keep looking at the Gap one too after seeing the recommendations here but I hate paying for shipping and haven’t wanted anything else to get above the $50 threshold. I’ll probably just go for it though.
Gail the Goldfish
I have been known to throw in items just to get above the free shipping threshold with the intent of returning them. (Of course, half the time I end up keeping them instead. So I guess their high free shipping threshold works in that regard)
I'm Just Me
And remember that the $50 order for free shipping can combine any of the brands so ON, Gap, Banana, Athleta.
Sydney Bristow
I just ordered from Banana last week and am completely kicking myself for forgetting to add the slip!
Sydney Bristow
Just a head’s up for everyone who loves them, the Gap ones are on sale for $14.97 right now!
tesyaa
I think it’s hit or miss, but I think the “rule” that horizontal stripes make a person look heavier is an old wives’ tale. As you say, it depends on the coloring, size of the stripes, etc.
In general, I think if the pencil skirt fits well, it will be flattering regardless of the stripes.
L
I think something like this works if the stripes aren’t pulling in particular areas. You want the stripes to match up or highlight positive things; fit is most important in this.
I tried on a similarly patterned maxi dress at target, was really flattering even in the pooch area. I would imagine if you got the fit on this right (so there wasn’t any pulling) it’d look really cute.
Maddie Ross
I have this skirt. It’s super comfy. If you get it, do NOT open the pockets. I make the mistake of doing that and it looks like I have hip wings.
Bonnie
I think narrow stripes are more flattering than wide ones.
CorpTrainer
I have this skirt and it is both comfortable and cute. LOVE!
anon +45
Science has proved that horizontal stripes don’t make you look wider. Vertical stripes do! http://dressaday.com/2012/06/06/newsflash-horizontal-stripes-wont-make-you-look-fatter-say-scientists/
Calibrachoa
Also comes in plus sizes! :D
I am once again v. sad Target does not ship here :(
anon
Does Old Navy ship to you? They have a similar plus-size skirt: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1011718&vid=8&pid=922087142
Calibrachoa
they do! thanks, anon! (my wallet is shaking it’s fist at you XD)
Los Angeles meetup next week!
Please e-mail DTLA R e t t e at Gmail for details!
Famouscait
I wanted to thank the many, many posters who replied to my question yesterday about being a criminal defense attorney. This forum is such a good place for thoughtful conversation when we allow it to be.
Anastasia
I loved reading that thread. I’m not an attorney and I’ve often wondered the same thing. I never thought about it from the standpoint of protecting rule of law, but once I did, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy and patriotic that people care enough about upholding the American legal system that they will vigorously defend someone they believe to be guilty just to make sure everything stays fair. Thanks again, everyone, for your responses!
hoola hoopa
As a non-lawyer, I’ve always wondered that same thing and really appreciated the responses. I ready every single one. It makes so much sense now – and I was really cheering for all the folks to work to maintain the system.
Would you have said something?
Recently, I walked down a hall and saw a woman who appeared (from down the hall) to be having a MAJOR wardrobe malfunction. She was wearing a tight black skirt with a perfectly-matched-to-her-skin-tone tank that she had pulled down over her backside. It was a longer tank and she had topped it with a black sweater that was opened in the front and was rather short in the back. Between the bottom of her cardigan and the visible skirt, the nude-for-her-tank was pulled taught across her posterior and it appeared that she was… ‘extremely overexposed’.
This was in a very professional setting, in a place where many people walk around. I know i don’t regularly check how I look from 20 feet away from behind and am often thankful when someone points out my minor mis-buttonings, etc. I definitely wouldn’t want to mortify this woman, but I have kept wondering if I should have mentioned something to her. This was a total stranger, btw. Would you have said something?
Anon
No. This isn’t a wardrobe malfunction. A wardrobe malfunction is when you accidentally tuck your skirt into your knickers and your bum is exposed. Wearing nude-for-you clothing that could make you appear, from a distance, as though your bum is exposed, is not a malfunction.
AIMS
Probably not. If I did, I might have said something self-deprecating like, “Oh my goodness, I think I need glasses, from far away, with the color of your top I thought you weren’t wearing one. Imagine that! Haha.”
I myself have noticed a trend in skin toned leggings or super tight pants lately and I keep thinking people are walking around pants-less all over Manhattan. It’s really not a great look imo but apparently it is catching.
Pink
o m g. ditto. One woman I saw yesterday was wearing a nude for her tank on top of professional pants in midtown and I thought she forgot to wear a shirt. Why oh why do people do this?
rosie
Sounds like you more didn’t like her outfit, not that she was actually having a wardrobe malfunction. Unless I’m misunderstanding.
Anne Shirley
That sounds like an ugly outfit functioning as intended to me.
TNTT
+10
S in Chicago
I just snorted. Best comment of the day!
Would you have said something?
It’s not just me!
Thanks everyone- the little bit of lingering ‘should I have said something’ is totally gone and I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets the invisible pants trend.
Marnie
I love this pencil skirt!
anon prof
I’ve tried this on in the store (in the sold navy version) and it is definitely not designed for pears. I was surprised and disappointed because usually ponte works better for me than other fabrics and Merona usually fits me well too.
Anon
I was just thinking that this would not be very flattering with my pear shape. My large backside tends to make everything shorter in the back and this is already reather short.
writing a personal finance book -- suggestions?
If there was a personal finance book geared towards women of this site, would you read it? What kinds of topics would you want it to cover?
I love Kat’s Tales from the Wallet, and one of my life goals is to write a pf book geared for women. All the books towards ladies and personal finance tend to be generic in terms of saving and investing, and I am thinking of sharing my own personal finance journey (reaching X net worth by Y age, ups and downs of the journey, what I learned, etc).
Would you read something like that? What would you want the book to cover?
Anne Shirley
I did. I read Nice Girls Don’t Finish Rich and the new rules of money for women and young broke and fabulous. I’d want to know why your particular experience matters to me and how I’m getting more out of your book than anything else on the market.
Sydney Bristow
I’d read it because I really just like reading personal finance books.
It seems like most books have a recommended way of combining finances with a spouse/significant other so I think including stuff about the various ways to tackle that subject would be interesting.
Good luck with it and keep us updated! Definitely link your blog if you decide to start blogging about it while writing the book.
k-padi
Awesome idea! Beyond the usual “safety cushion–pay off debts–invest for the long term” advice, I think most personal finance books skip over or don’t provide a framework for balancing debt and savings/investing. Most of us won’t pay off all of our student debt before funding a retirement account, saving a house down payment, or investing for other reasons. So how should a person think about allocating money between those goals?
Another overlooked topic is debt management: refinancing a mortgage, consolidating student loans, etc. In an environment of dropping interest rates, I am constantly revisiting this topic myself.
I know people don’t use newspapers anymore to check stock prices, but how do you read stock prices? What do each of the columns mean? I can’t say I use this knowledge a lot but I feel a lot more confident in my personal finance knowledge because I know how it works.
What about tax-advantaged funds? Tax implications are completely over my head. I would buy a book that explained this in an approachable way.
Sacha
+1
The issues around whether to pay off loans early vs. invest vs. buy a home are real issues for me. Tax issues are confusing for me, too, as a single person with no dependents (for now and forever) and a higher tax bracket. In particular, since I currently have no deductions at all beyond charity and $17,500 401K, what should I be doing to increase tax savings? Should I buy a big house and get a long mortgage just to get a tax deduction and opportunity to use cash to invest/pay debt? Or is paying more interest just flushing more money? Are interest rates the driving factor?
Yvonne
Barrons.
hmmm
Agreed re: personal experiences not helpful. I have read several books on personal finance for women and found the content to be confusing/mildly offensive, as they were geared toward relationships and taking care of children and not the career track that I am on. Suze Orman’s books targeted toward women, for example, treat women as though they have never heard of a savings account (?!)
As someone interested in the topics of finance, savings, and investment, I would much rather get my information from sources focused on those topics (e.g. the math and psychology behind the strategy of investing in index funds) than those focused on my gender.
Sydney Bristow
I fully agree with the point of writing it in a way that isn’t talking down to the reader. There have been some articles written about the difference in writing style for finance books (and articles) in general and those for women.
Young Atty
I would love a basic to moderate level book, or even just a couple of chapters, tailored towards young professionals that are just starting out. I’m a new attorney working in a very small law firm with a small income to match. I come from a working class family, so I’m more or less on my own (with my SO who is also a young, new attorney) to figure out what steps to take with our income and what little savings we’ve accumulated. You said your book would be geared towards this site, which probably means more successful/higher wealth, bad*ss ladies, but bad*ss ladies have to start somewhere, right?
This dream book would have topics like the basics of the different IRAs and the pros/cons of each (neither of our firms offer any retirement benefits); options for what you could do/invest in with a little extra money (less than $20-30K); the pros/cons of paying the minimum on significant student loans vs. paying extra (I feel like our combined loans are so astronomical that it would be silly to throw our discretionary income into them rather than using that money towards a down payment on a home or enjoying life and letting our loans be forgiven in 20 years); info on buying your first home, mortgages, what options are out there for new home buyers, etc.; and other topics relevant to those that are just starting on their path to financial success. Ideally, the book would then go on to discuss the options as circumstances change, personal wealth increases (bigger investments, brokerage accounts, what to look for in an adviser, etc.), children are added (529’s, prepaid college programs, start up savings for the kids, etc.), you get closer to retirement and need to be more conservative, etc. etc. etc.. IMHO, the best kinds of advice books are those that layout what people have tried along with what worked and what didn’t–essentially, lessons learned so that others don’t have to make the same mistakes.
I realize this may be a relatively small target audience, but I can’t seem to find a book I like that fits. If this isn’t the book you’re looking to write, any recommendations are more than appreciated. :)
Good luck to you!
National_Anthem
You might actually be me. I would love this book.
anonypotamus
I would read a book like this as well. I feel like after doing some basic reading on personal finance, I have a better handle on the things I “should” be doing, but it gets overwhelming when we realize we can’t do all the things at once. Having some sort of strategy, or talking through the options would be immensely helpful. I realize this is something a financial adviser could help with, but I would like to gain an understanding of my options myself, first. We aren’t in a position to be able to max out 401ks, pay rent, and student loans, and build up an emergency cash fund, and it’s overwhelming trying to figure out how to manage debt and maximize income.
Blonde Lawyer
As someone who most likely doesn’t want kids, I’d also like a book that discusses, frankly, the economic implications of having or not having kids.
k-padi
Oh ladies. The Isla Vista shooting has really shaken me. I spent so many years on the dating scene and met so many PUA and socially awkward guys that were came off as being milder versions of the shooter (and, luckily, unarmed).
I am alone in the office this morning (not unusual) and this is a Pleasantville-like setting but when I heard two male voices in the reception room, my first instinct was duck-and-cover. It was the property manager (who I hadn’t met yet) and the fire inspector on a routine visit. But really, this is not a healthy response.
Is anyone else shaken? Would it be really weird if I lock the door?
TNTT
Our small office of 5 (one man, four women) now has a policy that permits us to lock the door if we ever feel uncomfortable. Granted, we’re on a busy street in an urban area so anyone can just walk in. We ladies had to lobby for it, but now we can do it any time someone feels icky. Do it.
Math Chick
That was horrible.
Perhaps the situation of the roommates puts it in some perspective: two of the men were stabbed by their roommate (and the third was a friend visiting one of the first two). Danger is often at the hands of known people, not strangers. And for the third man: sometimes you walk into tragedy.
And the bicyclists: they are vulerable to cars generally. And then comes a car driving by someone on a homicide spree. They are lucky to be alive, either because of the car-bike collision or because of the particular car driver who hit them. Luck can be of both varieties.
You can be careful. But sometimes no amount of care would have changed the outcome. In general, we are safe. In general, strangers are safe to us. But I take the Jesse James seat whenver I can: back to a corner, an eye on the door, and with knowledge of the way out (usually b/c that’s the quickest way to the bathroom though).
Math Chick
Also, if you have not read The Gift of Fear, I would recommend that. There is fear, generally. And then there is when the hairs on the back of your neck are standing up for a reason.
NWanalyst
I understand and empathize with your fear. As a scientist, I’ve also met socially awkward men. I’ve also been physically abused by a man (not a scientist, incidentally). But I also have found that the fear I experience is mostly based on how I internalize these experiences, and after many years of living in fear, I am happy to be finally reaching freedom.
For comparison’s sake, let me tell you about a group of people who scare me. Women. The most horrific abuse I’ve experienced in my life has been at the hands of a woman. If it had been a man abusing me, the people I went to for help might have believed me. But my abuser was a woman, and no one cared. No one listened. For many years, I’ve been afraid to be alone with a woman… I’d break out in a cold sweat if it happened. If a woman sat down next to me who resembled my attacker, I’d panic. I’ve had to leave public places because the fear was so bad.
But I know that it’s unfair and counterproductive to let my fear of women fester. That fear has hurt my life and driven me to behave irrationally. My fear has caused me to be automatically suspicious of women, just because of their gender. It’s made it hard for me to form relationships, hard for me to relax in public. Just about anything you can think of. The only thing I’ve been able to do to help myself is act opposite to the fear. I try to be outgoing around women now, even if I’m afraid. I remind myself that most of these women are great people, who would be horrified if someone tried to hurt me. Because it’s true. And I think that positive self-talk about this fear is the healthiest way to handle it.
I encourage you to confront these fears and ask yourself if they’re helping you. Do you need to take real steps to protect yourself, that you haven’t taken yet? Maybe your fear is a sign that there is something left undone… for example, I spent a couple of years with a high emphasis on self-defense because that’s what I needed in order to feel safe. But there can be a point, I think, when fear is no longer helpful… and fortunately, I’ve learned that there are ways to replace fear with self-empowerment. I hope that you can reach a place where you feel free and confident to live your life, accepting that there will always be risks, but you don’t have to expect to be a victim.
Anonattorney
I’m very sorry that you’re rattled. That’s an awful feeling to have. Just remember that what Rodger’s acts were the acts of a sociopath. Yes, we certainly have systemic violence against women, but Rodger’s misogyny was just an excuse for his evil. It was not the cause or root of his evil. As horrible as the PUA culture is, those guys (and other socially awkward guys) aren’t regularly going and shooting innocent people.
Don’t let your fear of very rare, isolated incidents restrict you.
Allison
Yes please! I love black and white horizontal stripes these days, although I’m not sure what I would pair that skirt with. I’m having trouble finding white button down tops that a) fit and b) aren’t see-through. Seriously, why is the fashion industry so obsessed with making see-through clothing? Are they trying to drive up the demand for tanks and camis?
anon
Has anyone been to Prague and/or Vienna recently? If so, can you comment on whether it would be feasible to go to each city on $150/day or less for 2 people (that’s for food, drink, activities; not including hotel or flights/trains). Planning a trip to both cities (3 nights in each) and trying to figure out if we can keep it under $4k for 2 people. After flights and the train ride, seems like that would leave us with $150/day but we don’t want to be on a very tight budget where we have to pinch pennies.
thanks!
LH
I went to both these cities more than 10 years ago (yikes) but there’s very few places where you can’t get by on $150 a day for food/drink/activities for 2 people, unless you want very high end restaurants and/or a ton of drinks. Most hotels in Europe (even lower end ones) include continental breakfast and if you fill up there you can probably skip lunch or eat something very light like a crepe for less than $5. $50 per person should be a generous dinner budget even with a drink or two and I can’t imagine you needing more than $50 a day total for activities. In Europe I rarely spend money on activities as there’s so much to see just by walking around, but you could definitely include a museum or two each day and be well within the budget.
Enjoy! Prague and Vienna are both great! Make sure you get some Sacher Torte in Vienna – its touristy but sooo good (and I don’t even like jam)!
anon
thanks- sacher torte sounds delicious, i’m sure we’ll have one (or five).
Pink
You will also do fine in Vienna (as long as you don’t eat a Stiereck, and even if you do, if you budget the other days, it should work out). We enjoyed ourselves in winter 2012 by going to cafes and ordering cake and coffee (which isn’t cheap–perhaps around $20 each time) to stay warm and I’m pretty sure we stayed under $150/day for 2 of us. We normally ate pastry or some other sort of breakfast (under $15 for two), ate at the market where Bourdain goes for meats and wine ($50 ish), and also went to a wiengarten out in the suburbs ($40 ish?).
I'm an associate
Yes I think this is doable. Obviously you will not be able to do crazy expensive excursions, but both cities are affordable (Its like visiting Chicago price-wise in my opinion). I lived in Vienna in 2009 and just went back there last year. I’ve also been to Prague and found it similar.
Calibrachoa
I can’t speak for Vienna, but you’ll definitely do fine in Prague. Food and drink are cheap and plentiful, and as the other commented said there’s good solid continental breakfasts at most hotels. As an example, a pint of beer is likely to cost you less than $1.50 – and I mean good local stuff. As for activities, that can depend a little on what precisely you’re into, but unless you’re looking for the best seats at the Opera house you’ll be fine.
I asked my local friennd and he said you’d be fine assuming your hotel is cheap, and then when I clarified hotel not included he was certain you’ll have no trouble at all :)
anon
very sweet of you to ask a friend, thank you!
as far as activities, I haven’t even planned those yet- was hoping to go to Cesky Krumlov when we’re in Prague (any thoughts on whether that’s a do-able day trip, or do we need to spend the night?)
any suggestions for activities (and vegetarian-friendly but not exclusively vegetarian restaurant recs) would be greatly appreciated!
Calibrachoa
You’re welcome!
There are day trips to Cesky Krumlov, but those are usually pretty pricey and last for about 10 hours – so it’s going to take up an entire day anyway. It might be easier/cheaper to stay there, as it’s a 3 hour train journey from what I understand.
For activities, I recommend the Prague castle, Cathedral of St Vitus and the museum at the tower of the Charles Bridge, as well as the river cruises. Neither I nor my friend knows of any restaurant recommendations, but he says he’s seen plenty of veggie places around so it should not be a problem.
Rachelellen
I did Vienna like 15 years ago just out of college and we would’ve struggled to spend that much! But here is a question: we made our way across Europe using the “Lets Go” guidebooks. They were published by Harvard students, had a hitchhiker-like thumb on the front…. we LOVED them. We actually used their “higher-end” options, like pensions, vs hostels. But they don’t seem to be publishing any more. I think maybe Lonely Planet grabbed that market. Anyone know?
LH
Not familiar with the Let’s Go guidebooks, but I do think in general Lonely Planet has grabbed some of that market – they are more geared towards cheaper options and more adventurous stuff like backpacking than some other guidebooks I’ve read.
CDA
Let’s Go is definitely still around! They may have changed up their cover/spine art, but they are definitely available and still definitely my favorite. Great mix of adventure/off-the-beaten path options and necessary information and details. Also on Amazon if you are having trouble finding them in stores – the author is Harvard Student Agencies.
LH
I’m annoyed at Calvin Klein – they had a huge sale over Memorial Day weekend (50% off suiting separates and dresses, among other things) and I bought over $500 of stuff at what seemed like a very good price to me (we’re talking ~$50-60 for a dress or blazer, $35 for a pencil skirt). The day after the Memorial Day “sale” ended, the prices on some of these items dropped and they were still running a 30% off promotion, so the overall price was a little bit (~$5-10) cheaper on most of the items I bought. I called to get a price adjustment and they wouldn’t do it! They said they can’t adjust promotional pricing, whatever that means. I pointed out that they have free shipping and free in-store returns (and I have a store near me) so I could just reorder everything at the cheaper price and return the more expensive stuff. They still refused. So I ended up reordering everything and plan to return the first order, but I’m pretty ticked off. Especially because their amazing Memorial Day “sale” ended up getting further discounted the VERY NEXT DAY.
People's Republic
Dear Calvin Klein,
That would annoy me enough to return all the stuff and NOT buy it again. I think LH was generous with her time to correct your bad customer service.
No love,
People’s Republic
Sammie
I had the exact same experience with Calvin Klein several months ago, but I was so appalled by their poor customer service and irrational refusal to credit me the difference when they admitted I could get the difference by going through the return/buy again rigamarole you mention. I just returned the items for a refund instead of going through the hassle of returning those and buying them again at the cheaper price because of the principle of the thing.
Then, I added Calvin Klein to my running “Will Not Buy From These Companies Ever Again Based On Horrible, Awful, Ridiculous Customer Service” list. Which is a real list I actually keep on my computer :) Kate Spade is on that list as well, actually, which I mention because I’ve seen KS mentioned on this site this week.