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July 2024 Update: The biggest sale of the year — the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — starts July 15! (Unfamiliar with the NAS? Check out this page for more info on why it's the best sale of the year.) Sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of all the major workwear sales, or check out our roundup of the latest sales on workwear!
The below content is about the 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
For busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits for women, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional.
As I mentioned in my big roundup on Friday of all the best workwear in the 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, there are a TON of great suits this year, although they can be a bit tough to find because the pieces aren't always pictured together or even linked.
This gorgeous emerald microcheck suit from Boss, though, is pretty easy to find all of the matching pieces — and they're all stars. I like the single button, classic blazer; the full-length trousers, the sleek pencil skirt, and the matching dress.
The jacket, pants, skirt, and dress are all priced $149-$397; after the sale they'll be $228-$595. See all of the matching pieces here.
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!
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
Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
PRK
For yesterday’s poster looking for experiences with PRK:
I had PRK two years ago and it is still–and probably always will be–the best thing I have ever spent money on. My vision was previously 20/200; it is now 20/15. I was not a great candidate for LASIK because I have particularly large corneas, so I would have been at higher-than-usual risk of developing haloed vision (a risk with LASIK anyway) had I gone that route.
I had both eyes done at once–no one suggested doing otherwise–and it cost just over $5K in a high-volume, big-city East Coast practice. It was not covered by insurance but is easily balanced by the amount of money I now don’t have to spend on contacts and on fancy hypoallergenic contact solution (I’m allergic to the detergents they put in regular contact solution, and I was slowly developing an allergy to the fancy stuff, anyway, which spurred my motivation for laser correction).
My eyes were numbed for the procedure itself–which lasted all of thirty seconds in total–but I wasn’t “doped up.” I was extremely diligent about aftercare, which entails a series of medicated eye drops at intervals throughout the day for about a week afterwards.
I had the procedure done on a Thursday evening and was able to read and do some writing the next morning. The worst part of my recovery hit on Friday afternoon, at which point I had a roughly 24-hour period of eye pain and extreme light sensitivity. Staying hydrated really helped, and I listened to a lot of podcasts since I didn’t feel like opening my eyes but wasn’t sleepy. I had my PRK done in February and also found that going outside was really good during that rough recovery day–the very cold, clear air felt really good on my eyes (guarded behind huge sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat), and my notion was that my indoor air quality–regular household dust and pet fur–was aggravating the sensitive tissues. On Sunday, I went to church and ran a meeting from behind my sunglasses; by Monday I was back at work and totally fine spending the day at my computer.
I have had no issues since. Seriously, it was life-changing. Highly, highly, highly recommend.
ElisaR
i didn’t see the original post but another successful PRK patient right here! I had it done 7 years ago. I was also not eligible for LASIK. I will say I had very dry eyes for almost a year. I used drops daily during that time. But that is long done now. My eyeballs are more sensitive now (like if they get hit by one of my kids it hurts more than it used to). The recovery was a few days for me. I was back at work quickly but had to use A LOT of eyedrops at that point. People were kind of shocked at me putting eye drops in every 5 minutes or so. It was totally worth it though. I also had both eyes done at the same time.
MJ
Yeah–I posted yesterday. Still v. glad I did it in 2013. It is normal to have some difficulty with reading over the next 6 mos as your eyes adjust. I briefly needed reading glasses. I also had thick corneas and had no choice. I did one eye at a time and was told by “the guy” in the Bay Area (Dr. Mansche at Stanford) that this is standard. I had a fair amount of pain as my cornea grew back over the next two weeks and I would advise doing it not during Winter if the air where you live is really dry. The eye I did in Winter was more painful, and the eye I did in Spring was less so. I took a valium at Dr.’s orders right before. The actual procedure took about 2 mins and was cool–like looking at Star Wars. Would do again 100%, 11/10. I also paid ~6K, but I split it over two calendar years and used HSA money.
OP - PRK
that was me! thanks so much.
anon
Beautiful suit, but alas, still too far out of my budget even with the sale.
anon a mouse
Can anyone comment on how Boss suiting fits? I am a curvy pear, 14-16.
Anonymous
I can’t speak to the curvy issue, but I would say the 14 runs large, so don’t be discouraged from trying it even if you typically buy a 16.
Anonymous
I’m a curvy 12 and I love my boss suiting. That being said, my legs are freakishly short for my overall height, so i always do skirt and jacket options.
ElisaR
it runs kind of big.
Greensleeves
I am also a curvy 14-16 and I love Boss suits! They fit me well with minimal tailoring. They do run a little big, so I usually end up in a 14.
Anonymous
I’m curvy also and have had luck with Boss skirts and jackets, but most of their pants seem to be too straight cut for me (they always have a big gap at the waist if they fit everywhere else).
Coach Laura
Agreed. Love the suit and its fabric, the dresses, the print tank top and even the tweed jacket.
Paging LondonLeisureYear (or other Greece Recs)
I’m contemplating a long trip to Greece w/DH and looking through the archives and found your June 26, 2016 offer to send Rettes your Greece AirBnB amazing experiences… if you still think those are solid choices, can I get in on this 3+ years later (I know a lot can change, so I’m also not going to hold you to the recommendation). I like not reinventing the wheel, so if we go this route I’d love to see where you stayed! S h a y l a B u b b l y at the google. Otherwise, if anyone has any recent amazing experiences, hit me up!
Anon
Not that recent, but we stayed at Esperas Houses in Oia on our honeymoon in 2012 and it was amaaaaazing. Probably my favorite hotel experience ever.
Legally Brunette
Such a pretty color but Boss just doesn’t work on my frame (hourglass).
Small Firm IP Litigator
Huh. I am an hourglass, and it works great for me.
Anon
Does anyone else have a terrible time eating well during the summer? I had been steadily (slowly, but steadily) losing weight up until June, and then, ugh, summer hit. There’s always a party, or a BBQ, or someone wants to go to brunch outside – the number of social functions is staggering. Anyone have any tips? At this point, I might just resign myself to maintaining my weight until summer is over, and then revisiting.
Anon
I’m the opposite. With all the fresh foods available, I eat better during the summer. FWIW, watermelon is my go-to. I pack a big container of it every morning for the office – it’s filling.
Anon
Yeah I’m the opposite too. It’s so easy to eat fresh fruits and veg in the summers. In the winter all I want to do is hibernate at home and eat pasta and heavy casseroles and drink hot cocoa to warm up.
Anemone
Also the opposite. Tons of cheap fresh veg available, good weather for outdoor exertion.
Anonymous
I have a vegan party policy. I try to eat only plant based stuff when I’m outside the house. Makes it easier to avoid higher calorie items. I don’t make a big deal out of it – if I’m at a BBQ and there aren’t a lot of options, I’ll have a burger but not with bacon/cheese and defintely not a second one. Also avoid any cream based salad like coleslaw or potato salad. Produce is so nice in the summer I find there’s always good options at most parties. Also, simple choices like pretzels over chips can make a difference. And stand away from wherever the food is being served. Physical proxmity makes a big difference on mindless snacking.
Anon
I’m with you – I tend to have more social outings, which is my main back slide (plus vacation) – in the winter, I meal prep and have less desire to leave home/work for food because its too cold. I had a personal trainer a few years ago and she said a lot of her clients had a similar lack of motivation to stick with healthy eating during the summer.
Anon
Yes! I mostly eat sweets/dessert and drink alcohol at events, so more social events means more desserts + alcohol. Also, while fresh produce means more veggies, I also tend to buy more things like peaches and blueberries that I then want to bake with, etc. Eating more veggies also makes me feel like I can eat more sweets, which isn’t really the case. And where I live, it is often too hot to run during the day, etc., so I actually get less active during the peak of summer.
Coach Laura
I like the poster’s suggestion above of being vegan at parties. Good idea.
Also I would recommend intermittent fasting on days when you’ll have, for example, a party after work or brunch at noon. Don’t eat before the brunch and eat lightly after.
Or if you don’t like to skip meals, just plan ahead so you can eat less earlier that day or pre-plan ahead and eat veggies before you get to the party so you’re not famished. Perhaps eat only the main event. Like a BBQ where you know the ribs are going to be the star, don’t nosh on the deviled eggs and potato salad and coleslaw. Eat crudités and ribs only.
Anon
What black flats are you wearing to the office these days? Bus. casual.
anon a mouse
I’m a huge fan of Rothy’s — the points are so comfortable. Today I’m wearing the black honeycomb, which has enough texture to be interesting.
Referral link for $20 off: https://share.rothys.com/x/9gjrce
RR
Rothy’s Point.
cat socks
I tried Rothy’s, but they don’t work with the shape of my foot. I like Dr. Scholls and Born.
Er
M gemi, but I have my eyes on Rothys too
anon
I just picked up the Sam Edelman’s Riza flats ($70) at Nordstrom’s anniv sale. It is a pointy flat with scalloping detail. Couldn’t shell out the $125 for the Rothy’s. So far, the Sam Edelman’s are pretty comfy (but this brand fits my foot well, so YMMV).
Rothy anon
Another Rothy’s code if anyone needs it!
https://share.rothys.com/x/Zu90TM
I love mine. I’ve worn the black point every day this summer, washing it about every two weeks. I think I might buy another point in Chili Red next.
pugsnbourbon
Loafers. I found a franco sarto pair cheap at TJMaxx, but I’ve already dinged up the leather so bad I think I’ll need to replace them by fall.
Anonymous
+1 for loafers. I’m wearing some from Louise et Cie this summer and loving them!
Irish Midori
Target A New Day, pointed toe. I have them in 3 colors.
Bra problems
Shopping help please – I cannot, for the life of me, find a well-fitting bra. My problem is the opposite of many women. I am an A cup, and don’t actually need a bra for support. However, I do need something under my shirt, unless I want to look scandalous at work. And I’ve yet to find a bra, wireless or not, that doesn’t give me back pain. The band ALWAYS feels too tight, even if it’s far too loose according to all those “how to fit a bra” articles.
In the winter, I wear a thick camisole, which works well. It’s currently a billion degrees on the east coast, though, and I do not want any more layers over my torso than absolutely necessary.
Ideally, I’d find something that’s essentially a short camisole, with just enough elastic in the band to keep it from riding up over my chest. Alternatively, a wireless bra with a very stretchy band. Any ideas?
Anon
Bralettes?
Ribena
I’m going to recommend Marks & Spencer’s again. Either for their brale tte (one word!) which was all over my social media feeds earlier this year, or for their younger girls range (it was called Angel when I was that age, don’t know if it still is) which is all soft fabrics.
Vicky Austin
Have you looked at demicamisoles? https://corporette.com/demi-camisoles/
Bra problems
This might be what I need. Had never heard of them.
anon
What about more of a stick on option so there is not a band at all, if you don’t need it for support?
Anon
+1 I don’t need a bra for support but have pretty visible n*pples so I wear reusable silicon stick-on cups under anything that doesn’t work with a normal bra. They’re comfortable, can’t be seen through fabric, stay stuck on in all but the sweatiest endeavors, and rinse off to be reused over and over.
OP, you might also try the sister sizes of your current best bra. I’m on the small side in every dimension and got tired of 34Bs gaping but 32A/Bs being too tight. Turns out I needed a 32C (a big surprise since I thought I was an A or small B at best). Maybe you need a larger band but with an A or AA cup? Or a smaller band but with a larger cup? You might have to order online instead of trying on in store.
ohc
I gave up underwires a few years ago and really like the Uniqlo wireless bras, which also don’t have hooks. They’re not especially decorative but they get the job done.
Anon
All the commiseration. Small cup/larger band combos are virtually nonexistent for us. 38AA here and I go with Gap wired ones in a 36A (for the correct cup fit), then use an extender on the hooks in the back to get the extra two inches so it isn’t a tourniquet. I like Gap because they come in smooth finishes so there are no lacy lumps showing through, and usually a reasonable range of pretty prints or nude-for-a-variety colors.
Anon
I agree – even 36A is hard to find nowadays. Target has a lot of small cups and wirefree options. My band size and cup size are more consistent though (34A or 36A).
Em
I am a 36A and had trouble finding a bra that worked for me, although not for the reasons you mentioned (mine were straps slipping, visible under clothes, and gaping). I tried Third Love and am really happy with them. I don’t know how they would work for your band issue, but they have free returns so you may be able to try a few band sizes. I also wear pasties when I don’t want to wear a bra, so those may work for you.
Anon
A Coobie.
MJ
On Gossamer. Their stuff is perfect for the small-of-chest and their bands really are stretchy and comfy.
pugsnbourbon
I switched over to the Hanes Women’s Convertible Seamless Wire Free Bra. Like you I HATE when a band feels tight. This one is nice and stretchy and the fabric is thick enough to deal with most poke-through issues. You can find it on the evil river s!te for about $13.
On the weekends I go braless with stick-on fabric pasties.
anon8
Check out A Bra That Fits on Reddit so you can measure and make sure you are wearing the correct size.
babyweight
Cosabella Dolce works for me (38A/B) when I want wireless.
anon a mouse
No specific recs other than to check out the reddit/abrathatfits. They have tons of information. I ended up finding my perfect pieces (through a lot of trial and error, thanks to stores with free shipping and returns), and they were a brand and style I never would have found otherwise.
anon a mouse
Follow-up: just go to the subreddit page and type your current size into the search bar for examples, but so so so many people are wearing the wrong size, both small and large. For example:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/comments/av3law/at_first_i_was_skeptical_but_now_im_a_believer/
ER
I did not find any information on Reddit relating to small cup size, unfortunately. Will try out all the suggestions in this thread though! (Not OP)
Anonymous
+1 to the Coobie unless you have a tiny band size (<=30 , where they feel loose). They are lined with a shaped liner, but that is removable (I like a bit of a lining b/c I am always cold).
Also, check out Aerie. They have a lot of options.
Finally, the sister-sizes recommendation is spot on.
I love the Betsey Johnson t-shirt bra, but used to get via Nordstrom, which doesn't carry them anymore. I did find some on Amazon. It is a real bra with underwire and a lining (not true padding), but the most comfy I've owned with no strap slippage (I am 30D, but that is about the size of a lime, so not very D-cup-seeming). VS had always been trying to get me into a 34A, which gaped and yet was too tight.
Anonymous
i wear b tempt’d bras, which are wireless but padded. purchased at bloomingdales. i wear a really small size (30b) and these are the best i have found. i think the brand is a division of Wacoal, but a lower cost division.
anon
i just did a mock interview with a rising 2L from my law school to provide him with extra practice for EIP (the school reached out to me bc they felt he needed the extra practice) and omg he was so rude! he acted like he was doing me a favor by showing up, rolled his eyes at half of my feedback and did not even say thank you. during our mock he kept talking about where his brother and sister-in-law went to business school (two ivies) and when i tried to explain how that was not really relevant to his own story he seemed annoyed (apparently he thinks name dropping mba programs will help him get a job at a law firm?). i was given a bit of info about him in advance from the law school career services office explaining why they were reaching out to me for the extra practice (which he desperately needs), but i am not sure how to follow up with the career services office at the law school…
Anon
I would tell career services what happened and be honest with them. I had a similar situation with a student at my law school, and the school was really happy to get feedback about her. They were incredibly embarrassed that she had reached out to me, etc., since the school was afraid that she might be burning bridges in the community.
Wow
I would be brutally honest with them. He’s not doing himself or the law school any favors with his bad attitude.
Monday
I’d include the fact that he rolled his eyes at your feedback. This means that setting him up with this additional coaching is apparently not helping at all, and the school would want to know that.
Anon
Ditto being honest. I’ve been in that exact situation once. The school sent me the kid and it was clear as day why he was striking out. He had a p1ssy attitude, like he was owed a job. It really didn’t help that his resume was poorly formatted and that he was wearing an unbuttoned shirt with a gold chain.
Anon
lol. I fourth (?) being honest with them.
Anonymous
100% on the honesty. This also reflects badly on the law school that they wasted your time with him. They should have pre-screened him better to explain how to behave towards a alumni member who is volunteering their time. He should never have been given a mock interview with you as it was a waste of your time.
Inspired By Hermione
Tell them everything. They need to not send him to more interviews with alumni. And someone needs to have a conversation with him about appropriate behavior.
He’s an adult, he’s going to act however he wants to act but there’s no reason the school should put their name behind him.
I once cut an interview short with a student at a career fair when he said he used to be a foreclosure paralegal and bribed banks to drop some foreclosures by giving them negative info about other clients they were also foreclosing on that his firm worked with. Said he would do whatever it took to get results for his favorite clients. I told him off as professionally as I could manage and then went and found his career counselor and let her know she needed to have a convo with him about ethical representation. She was absolutely horrified but glad I’d told her.
OP
Thank you all. I happen to no longer work in law, which is what I think might have partially made him think less of me, but I actually work in career services at a highly ranked institution (with undergrads, masters students and PhDs), so while I realize I am definitely not an expert in law firms, I help students with mock interviews for a living.
Anon
This actually makes his behavior worse to me. You’re in the same position that anyone that’s in-house counsel, etc. would be in, and he felt like he was “better” than you, etc. How is he going to act around a firm’s clients? Also– he is currently unemployed. He is better than no one.
Small Firm IP Litigator
The shirt under this suit is great, but with a suit and for business casual. I have it in white in sleeveless, and in two colors with long sleeve.
Anonymous
Ideas for an easy peach-based side dish or dessert that 1) isn’t baked, 2) doesn’t have ice cream or other dairy-based ingredients, 3) quick to prepare, 4) doesn’t need re-heating, and 5) can feed a crowd?
I’m half tempted to just serve up sliced peaches at my potluck picnic but I feel like I should also make an attempt to *do* something more with my dish.
Hazel
Honestly sliced peaches sound like a great idea with those restrictions, but you could maybe jazz it up a bit with a honey & lime-zest syrup (like this recipe, but skip the creme fraiche: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/07/honey-lime-peaches-with-creme-fraiche-clouds-fruit-dessert-recipe.html )
Anonymous
Peaches wrapped in prosciutto with balsamic drizzle, peach panzanella salad with tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper, a peach-based salsa served with tortilla chips, peach with raspberries and blueberries marinated in lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar and chopped up mint… now I’m hungry.
Coach Laura
I’d do a peach-watermelon salad. Or variation. Peach watermelon cucumber or peach watermelon tomato salad. I’ve used one that has a lime vinaigrete (spelled wrong to avoid moderation) but I can’t find it on google. Or with mint. Yum.
Lizbet
Grilled peach halves drizzled with balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with chopped mint.
The Peach Truck
There are some great recipes on The Peach Truck website.
If you have time, the book is amazing.
https://thepeachtruck.com/blogs/the-peach-truck-kitchen
Brokentoe
A delicious romanoff sauce that is lovely with any fresh fruit. To serve 3 or 4, combine .5 cup of sour cream, 3 Tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 Tablespoon of brandy. It’s best if it is refrigerated for an hour or so to let flavors meld, but I’ve served it immediately when needed.
kk
Half and de-pit peaches, toss in a ziploc marinade with olive oil, honey and basil, then grill at high heat. Sprinkle with flaky crunchy sea salt!
anon
Blueberries and peaches are a classic combination.
Anonymous
Thanks you all! I think I’m going to go with a peach/berry fruit salad with some dressing.
Vicky Austin
Sounds like a job for fruit salad? If you rely mostly on berries plus peaches you won’t have to do a TON of slicing. I also like using mandarin oranges or kiwi.
Vicky Austin
oops, for peach anon above.
Anon
I’m so annoyed right now. I volunteer with a health care organization (not Planned Parenthood) that gets Title X funding. In light of the 9th Circuit lifting the injunction, we need to refuse Title X money so that we can continue to provide full comprehensive medical services. We do not provide abortions but if a pregnant woman comes in and asks for options or is unhappy, she gets counseled on 3 things – pre-natal care options, abortion options, adoption options. That’s what Title X used to allow. Now under the gag order, we can’t discuss abortion. That’s not even what I’m angry about.
One of other Title X requirements was to teach patients, often teens, how to avoid or refuse sexual coercion. I asked whether the curriculum we used to educate our patients on sexual coercion dealt with only pushing back against said coercion, or if it all also educated patients (typically male) on how to not be sexually coercive people. The gov’t provided education of course only dealt with how to not be coerced instead of how to not be coercive. RAGE.
We are now looking into voluntarily adding the latter to our education even though we will no longer be a Title X provider.
Anonymous
It’s rage inducing isn’t it, let’s tell only people how to avoid being assaulted instead of (also) telling people how to avoid committing assault. Anyway, maybe consider reaching out to your local sexual assault/r*pe crisis organization and see if they have some prevention education or safe dating material that they can share. Our local organization does a lot of education geared towards teens that addresses both sides of the issue and they want people to hear it from as many sources as they can, not just a one time school presentation.