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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 113 Comments · by

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Boatneck Fitted Top

The Personal Shopper (TPS) |

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Old Navy Boatneck Fitted Top | CorporetteOur daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. This is the kind of top that looks like it could be a real find, particularly for the price — it has more than one interesting detail (boatneck, exposed zipper at the nape, shirred shoulders, and longer sleeves), and it's slightly fitted. I like the solid colors like this “electric youth” pink (pictured) or the black (c'mon, you know me), but it's also available in a solid white, a pink stripe, and a blue stripe; it comes in regular, tall, and petite sizes XS-XXL. It was $19.94 but is currently marked to $14 (and is only available online). Old Navy Boatneck Fitted Top Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-6)

Sales of note for 9.10.24

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Comments

  1. Check out

    the placement of the stripes. It reminds me of the way that Stella McCartney dress that used color to make curves.

  2. Ellen

    Yay! Fruegel Friday’s! I love Fruegel Friday’s and Old Navy. Great price, also, Kat! I can wear these in the Hamton’s, where I am goeing after work with the manageing partner and his brother. The brother is getting a littel frisky with me now that he has won a bid on the apartement in my buildeing, and the apartement is right next door to me! I can NOT beleive the coincendence of me workeing with the manageing partner and now the manageing partner and me shareing a common wall in our coop once he get’s aproved. His bedroom is right next to my kitchen! Thank goodness I do NOT spend alot of time in my kitchen or I could have to listen to alot of grunteing goieng on over there once he start’s bringing in women. FOOEY!

    For now, tho, he is just happy that he won the bid and will have me (and my dad) recomend him to the Board of Director’s. I warned him that the board lady does NOT like me, but he says they like money, and he has enough so that they should NOT have to worry about him payeing Manintence. I will check in later b/c the manageing partner wants me to go to lunch with the judge and we need to STARATEGIZE!!!! YAY!!!!!

    • anon

      I’m confused, is the managing partner moving in next door, or is it his brother that you will share a wall with?

  3. Red Beagle

    Not usually a fan of ON but the reviews on this one are rave. From the close-ups, looks almost like a ponte fabric that could stand alone as a summer top or with a little cardi in a business casual office. I think I will order the white. The stripes are an interesting detail but would call attention to my chest, I think. Would work well with someone in an A or B, as opposed to triple-D, cup.

    • Sydney Bristow

      This looks great. I just ordered it in all 3 solid colors along with way too many other things. I’m trying to build up my casual wardrobe and this looks like a top I could wear with jeans on the weekend or pencil skirt for work. Love it and hope it looks as good in person!

      • Sydney Bristow

        Oh and old navy is doing 25% off (or 30% if you spend over $75). Actually it looks like that doesn’t apply to sale items.

    • HSAL

      I have this and wasn’t a fan. It hit me in a weird place on my hips and was super boxy through the waist. If you have a large bust and a small waist, I wouldn’t recommend it.

      • anonfish

        I am returning the pink stripe version. It is boxy (which I could get over..) but it also has darts at the bust that just do not work for me at all. I’m small-busted, generally take a M in tops. This just did not work. I wanted to love it!

      • Anonymous

        I’m with you and anonfish. I tried it on a few weeks ago, and found the chest darts and boxy waist offputting.

      • Contracts

        I will agree that this has a relatively boxy waist. I’m curvy, so I usually buy thinks that are fitted and define my waist. The boxiness of this doesn’t bother me, in this case. It could be that the weight of the material and the darting give it some structure and shape. I’m pretty busty, though, and the bust darts hit me in just the right place.

  4. Early TJ

    My sister is starting her first job after grad school at an architecture firm. I want to take her shopping to get some basic work clothes, but I don’t know anyone who works in architecture so have no idea what the norms are. Any architects out there who can speak to how people typically dress? I know each office is different, but just want to get a sense of whether “business casual” leans more casual or formal. We’re in NY, if it helps. Thanks!

    • landscape arch

      Depends on the office. I have worked in civil engineering firms that were very casual, but in part because they were also surveying/field firms too. I also live in a casual region, so that is part of it.

      My sister is an architect in DC, and her firm, from what I can tell, is business casual. It’s a pretty big firm, and they do a lot of government contract work, so I suspect that they deal with fairly high-up clients. That being said, she wears a mix of business casual pants, skirts & dresses. I don’t know that she owns or wears any suits. But, I suspect she does have more formal stuff for presentations and the like.

      I think that if you were to look for high-quality basics that can go either way–suit separates, graphic blouses, dress trousers & cardis, I think she will be fine. JCrew, Loft, AT, etc…

      What a nice sentiment, too. Good on you, sister!

      • Early TJ

        This was exactly what I was looking for – thanks! Those are all the places I shop at too, so I’ll just take her where I shop this weekend.

        • landscape arch

          Congratulations to her on her job too. That says a lot about her skills and experience, in this market. I think it does say a lot about the economy as well–glad people are hiring & building! We have certainly seen a big increase in our development here over the past 2 years, but we also didn’t sink as far as some of the bigger markets in 07-08.

        • Civil Engineer

          +1. Our firm leans to the slightly more casual side, as do all the architects I’ve met, but my region is fairly casual as well. (We do have in-house survey crews, although there is a large gulf between what the survey department wears and what the other office departments wear.) You really can’t go wrong with trousers, blouses, and cardigans. Shoes, blazers, suits, and sometimes pencil skirts are more of a know-your-office thing (at least here).

          • Architect

            I’m in Minneapolis. I would say most firms I have been across the country are business casual. It also depends on how much client contact she has. I tend to wear suits if my clients wear suits. I’m also in the 20 year experience category though. She will probably not have much client contact with being such a recent grad. I tend to be the only women in meetings. So, I also tend to dress up more. Architects can also be a little more arty. I mix in more edgy pieces. Like a really cool top with a black suit jacket and jeans. Good luck!

          • Civil Engineer

            I should have clarified that by “casual side,” I meant business casual, edge toward casual, at least while in the office. Men tend to be in polos or button downs and khakis or Docker-type pants. Sounds like we’re agreeing with each other. Second on the good luck!

          • Early TJ

            Thanks everyone! Great to get more perspectives. And I will pass on the well-wishes to her!

    • Architect Wife

      My husband is an architect. He’s had a couple different dress situations. At his old job (large, international firm–regional office), he wore basically dress pants and polo shirts or button fronts without a tie. In current job (small firm, heavily client facing role), he wears dress pants and shirts and ties most days. For women, at either, I think business casual to slightly more formal business casual is the ticket.

    • Archilady

      Congrats to your sister! I am basically her now… at a larger type firm in a different big city, just finished grad school in May. I have little client contact (most of my clients aren’t local) and my office is casual, definitely more casual than I expected. I tend to dress up a little more than others in the office, and I prefer to buy nicer pieces that might last if I change offices/jobs and end up at a dressier office. So nice of you to take her shopping!

    • NYNY

      If she’s working in an artsy neighborhood – Soho, West Village, Chelsea – the architects I know dress in a fairly fashion-forward way. They’re all men, unfortunately. But think of the female equivalent of fitted blazers over expensive jeans. Lots of Rag and Bone, APC.

  5. Family law TJ

    I always took it as a given that people move out when getting divorce. Someone is proposing living under the same roof (with four children) during their divorce to save $ (maybe help claim more co-parenting time, although I think that this is just to reduce support). This is a drama-fest already. Can someone confirm the gut reaction that this is just an awful idea? [I know you can’t throw someone out of their own house, but suspect that this is so out of market for how people get divorced that laswyers aren’t used to dealing with it.]

    • roses

      I’m not totally clear on what you mean by “saving” money – is one person financially able to move out but just doesn’t want to because of the expense, or are one/both of them financially unable to move out? The latter is actually quite common – particularly during the recession. That doesn’t make it a good idea – so if one person were able to move out, he/she should – but I’d expect that most divorce lawyers have encountered this situation before.

      • Family law TJ

        Good to know. These may not be 1%ers, but there is enough % for a one-bedroom as things sort themselves out.

        • Anne Shirley

          How do you co-parent 4 children if you are living in a one bedroom while the other spouse stays in the house with the kids?

          I think this is a fairly common problem. If you can’t afford to leave one spouse in the marital home and for the other spouse to find something comparable, you’ll probably wind up needing to sell the house. But that’s maybe not going to happen until the couple has resolved how the assets will be divided.

          • Anne Shirley

            I’m familiar with the concept of nesting, and it can work well, but it can also be a way to keep a couple that doesn’t get along enmeshed in each other’s lives and prevent each spouse from creating their own stable home and life for themselves. In any case, it sounded to me like the issue here was one spouse moving out, not both spouses embracing a nesting concept.

        • Maine Susan

          There is a concept in family law called nesting. The kids stay in the house all the time. The parents rent the one bedroom apt and one week wife stays there by herself and the next week the husband stays there. The other parent is in the house with the kids. The theory is that it is less disruptive for the kids and the parents should take the burden of moving back and forth since this is their problem, not the kids. It is a temporary solution pending the divorce not a long term solution.

          • Wildkitten

            I get this mathematically because having two houses that 4 kids can live is is more expensive than having 1 big house and 1 small apartment, but to do it because it is less disruptive for kids I think underestimates the resiliency of kids.

          • Been There (Too Many Times)

            Not only does it underestimate the resiliency of kids (Wildkitten), but because it keeps the parents enmeshed in each other’s lives (Anne Shirley), it: (1) continues to expose the kids and the parents to the high conflict relationship and (2) robs the kids of the opportunity to see each parent establish his/her own, stable, conflict-free or conflict-healthy household and relationship.

          • Blonde Lawyer

            This also works with 2 1 bedroom apartments and the house. Increases costs but then each parent still has a place that is their own.

          • abogada

            I had a friend who did the nesting thing during the divorce and for a year or so afterwards. It worked well for her and her husband/ex until it didn’t, and then they changed the arrangement. All of it was done peacefully and with minimal drama/conflict.

          • Lily-Student

            I hate the ‘resiliency of kids’ thing – there was a discussion on BBC Woman’s Hour last week about how everyone says kids are resilient but actually it’s horrible growing up not having one place that’s yours.

            I know a couple who split their marital home in two, so the kids were always in their own bedrooms, but sometimes had dinner with their dad in his kitchen and sometimes with their mum in her kitchen – I think technically one parent’s house was an annexe.

        • anon

          I have heard of divorcing couples agreeing that the custodial parent will keep the house, and non-custodial parent will stay in the house during visitation, while the custodial parent stays somewhere else. That way the kids are always at home. It takes a lot of sacrifice to make something like that work, but it always sounded good for the kids, especially while they are young. It would depend on whether the custodial parent had somewhere else to go as well.

        • IDK

          I don’t know how this works b/c most of the divorced people I know had 1 child or were childless. If you take a large family with an at-home mother, I don’t know how the filing party (assume dad) gets a large enough apartment (IIRC, even 3-bedrooms are hard to find; most have just 2). For the lawyers I know with large families, work is still a 50-60-hour commitment (so they need a stay-at-home wife, even if they are divorced from her), so I don’t know how they’d even do something like nesting (let alone have the kids by themselves any significant time that’s not a weekend).

    • Tunnel

      I work with a guy who lives with his ex-wife and kids all under the same roof (and did so during the divorce too). I don’t personally get it, especially since he’s a partner not struggling for cash, but to each their own!

    • Em

      I knew a family that did this when I was growing up. It seemed to work out okay; they ended up building an apartment over the garage for the dad and his boyfriend. However, one partner realizing he was actually gay might lead to a different dynamic than in a lot of divorces.

    • Anon for this

      My parents did this during their divorce, mostly because my father refused to move out of the house. The kids were all out of the house. My parents had an acrimonious divorce and I’m assuming my father did it for financial reasons. It was awful as a third party who rarely had to be at the house, and I know it was very stressful for my mother. I think for people with kids at home that it will be very difficult. If they pursue this path, my only recommendation would be counseling for the parents so they can more effectively co-parent while in these circumstances. Of course, if this is already a very dramatic situation it seems like that might be of little use.

    • Anon

      It’s not unheard of. I would expect a competent and experienced divorce lawyer to have come across such a situation before, and be prepared to deal with it.

    • Anon

      I think this is couple dependent and depends on the reasons for the divorce. Some splits can end with parties on good terms who just aren’t meant to be in a romantic relationship. To each his own, in my view. I wouldn’t see this as inherently weird or bad.

    • abogada

      I’ve known a lot of people who stay in the same house while divorcing (or even for a few months after the divorce is final). Some had kids and others didn’t. It was a financial decision in pretty much every case.

      It really depends on the individuals involved as to whether this can work. If they’re already high drama, or if there has been domestic violence (or threats or allegations of domestic violence), then it’s probably a really bad idea. Otherwise, it can work if the couple wants it to.

  6. MNF

    I never got it when Kat talked about good earrings for telephone calls, but my pearl stud just ended up on the other side of my office during a call. I’m now going back to all the past earring posts, because Kat was right.

  7. Anon For This

    Going to the doc today to ask about weight gain – suggestions include asking about thyroid, metabolic disorder caused by stress, and pregnancy (unlikely). Anything else I should make sure to talk to my doc about? If it’s not medical I will know to work harder on diet and exercise.

    • sweetknee

      If it is not a thyroid condition, etc. You might ask for a referral to a nutritionist, depending on how much you feel you need to lose. I saw one for three or four sessions, and she was very helpful.

      Also, see if your doctor will order a test that shows how many calories you burn at rest. I know that you can guesstimate this number on the internet, but my doctor actually ordered a test where you had to hold this monitor like thing in your mouth and breathe in and out of it for a certain number of minutes. It was a pain in the butt to do, but a very accurate reading. That, coupled with the nutritionist got me on track.

    • Anon

      You might also ask about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It’s very common and weight gain is one of the symptoms.

      I will also add that GPs and OB-Gyns frequently don’t seem to know much about endocrine disorders. If you think your weight gain can’t be explained by your diet and exercise habits and your GP isn’t helpful, try visiting an endocrinologist.

      — Someone with PCOS and hypothyroidism

    • landscape arch

      Also, regarding thyroid, the simple test (TSH) doesn’t always show the full picture. In order to get full thyroid function measured, you need TSH, T3, T4 and Thyroid antibodies checked.

    • Tunnel

      I second the suggestion to ask about PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and seeing an endocrinologist, especially if you have irregular periods. Although many women have never heard of it, it’s estimated that about 10% of women have PCOS. PCOS can make it very difficult to lose weight even when you work really hard to and there is typically some insulin resistance related to it. I knew something was off for me for a couple of years, but it wasn’t until when I finally started trying to conceive that I was finally diagnosed with PCOS. The condition is a complicated one, but after trying a bunch of different diets, exercise, and medicine, I am finally starting to figure it out and get my body back in control. Good luck!

    • Meg Murry

      Tell him/her everything that you’ve struggling with, especially things that aren’t apparently obvious or that you cover up. For instance, one of the symptoms of PCOS can be growing hair in places women aren’t typically hairy (a lot, not just a strand or 2) – like chin, chest, belly etc. But most women remove this hair, and if you don’t tell your doctor about it, they won’t know by looking with you. Same thing with the reverse – if your hair and eyebrows used to be really thick and now they are thinning, your doctor wouldn’t notice that unless you point it out.
      Also discuss anything else that’s changed in your life – sleeping habits, eating habits (do you always feel starving, always feel bloated, etc), how you overall feel (always tired, always restless, etc).
      Your GP may not have all the answers today, but the more info you give him/her, the more likely they will be able to order the right tests or refer you to the right person (endocrinologist, nutritionist, etc).

    • Philanthropy Girl

      When they are checking metabolic/stress issues, be sure they check adrenal function.

    • Celia

      If you’re already on the Pill, try to find out if weight gain is one of its side effects. I very stupidly took one pill for four years and gained FORTY POUNDS. IN ONE YEAR. After a lifetime of being bone-skinny. Stay away from Aygestin!!!

  8. I Own This Top (Contracts)

    I own this top in the blue stripes, and it is fabulous. The quality is much higher than most things I get at ON. This is a definite must.

  9. Anonymous

    Hiding in a coffee shop killing time before my clerkship interview–I’km trying really hard not to be nervous but it isn’t working. Last minute advice to kill the nerves and feel confident?

    • landscape arch

      you got this. that is all. it is just that simple! Big deep breaths, close your eyes and visualize yourself totally kicking it in the interview. Be courteous, smile, pause & reflect on questions before diving into an answer.

      Good luck!!

    • MNF

      Go into the bathroom and do “confident poses.” Like Rosie the riveter or whatever else seems right for you. I know it seems silly, but a friend suggested it last year when I was interviewing for a post-clerkship position and I got an offer following all of my interviews.

      • Anonymous

        I love that idea! I’m definitely going to find a bathroom and try it out!

      • Cb

        I love this idea and am going to use it on Monday for a fieldwork interview. (I interview lovely politicians, all of whom are happy to speak with me but I get so, so nervous).

    • Anon

      Square breathing. Inhale, 2, 3, 4, Hold, 2, 3, 4, Exhale, 2, 3, 4, Hold, 2, 3, 4. Repeat.

  11. FP

    Anyone use a delivery meal service to lose weight? Any recommendations? I’m in NYC if there is anything local. I’ve done Nutrisystem in the past, and it has worked, but I just can’t face that dehydrated food again. Really need help losing weight and I can’t seem to get it done myself. Because I seem to lack the willpower to make my own smart choices, I am willing to spend a little more for fresh(er) food.

    • Anon for this

      I haven’t, but google “Well and Good NYC” and “meal delivery” — they profile a few companies that might offer something you’re interested in.

    • ac

      Following. In exactly the same position — well, except geographically since I’m in Chicago — so hoping there’s a solution that would work for both of us. I’ve got about 20 extra lbs of post-baby weight (and my youngest is a toddler, so I can’t characterize it as “baby weight” much longer).

      • anon for this

        I’ve never used it, but what about Seattle Sutton I’ve been hearing on the radio for years?

        • ac

          I’m glad you posted this! I’d written off Seattle Sutton’s a few years ago as it did not allow for customization if your vegetarian, but it looks like it now does! Thank you!

        • abogada

          A co-worked used Seattle Sutton for a while. I never tasted it, but the food looked and smelled appealing. He also lost weight (he also really upped his workouts as well). I’m not sure how much weight in pounds, but it was definitely noticeable.

    • Tunnel

      I have a friend who did Fresh Diet in NYC. I remember thinking that it was very expensive, but she liked it and it worked for her.

      • Anne Shirley

        I’ve tried Fresh Diet too. The food was decent. I found many of the dessert-like options full of artificial sweetener which I don’t eat. My biggest complaint was the small portion sizes of vegetables. Ultimately I like it for a particularly busy pre-vacation week or two, but it was very expensive and incompatible with eating out which I tend to do a few times a week.

    • Anonymous

      I’m not in NYC so I don’t know how helpful this is other than to share that the option does exist and most likely does in NYC if it does in my market–but I’ve been buying fresh premade meals for the last couple of months. They don’t deliver so I pick up every 3 or 4 days, but it’s not a huge deal. They make them in their local commercial kitchen and the meals are good for about 4 days (shorter for fish). Perfect portion sizes, good mix of protein and veggies, great selection of different kinds of protein, and the meals actually taste fantastic. Way better than anything I could cook! I initially just started doing it for lunches, but I’ve started buying my dinners too–it’s so nice to get home late and just pop it in the microwave for 2 minutes and have my food ready, with no clean up afterwards. The meals run about $6-9 each, and I’ve found I’m only spending about $15 more per week than I was at the grocery store because I’m wasting less and not impulse buying desserts and snacks. I feel much lighter/less bloated and more energetic now that I’m not eating heavy, creamy dishes with too much dressing or sauce, and I’ve noticed a small difference weight-wise (in the interest of full disclosure, I’m fairly small to begin with so there wasn’t going to be a major difference, but I was sort of “skinny fat” from eating junk and I’ve noticed an improvement in my midsection from that).

      I wouldn’t do a system where the meals come frozen, and I’ve tried and not gone back to a company in my city that salts the heck out of their meals as a shortcut to provide flavor, but I’m really happy with the one I use now that makes fresh, non-preserved and non-frozen options.

  12. T. McGill

    Question for the hive, or maybe just looking for coping advice. I am 7 months pregnant with my second child. I am facing some minor complications in this pregnancy, and my doctor has raised the issue of delivering me early. It is too soon to really know, but we are talking 2-3 weeks before my due date. For scheduling purposes, I’ve mentioned the possibility to my bosses, so they can be prepared. The thing is, last pregnancy, they started ramping down my workload early enough that there were not too many open items that needed to be transitioned to other people, and I was able to get my files and office organized. This time, I feel like my group is busier,so I am getting more work than I can handle on a good day, let alone 7 months (uncomfortably) pregnant. The work is piling up, I can’t keep up, my office is a disaster. There are all these little projects I can’t wrap up because I keep getting new ones. I am starting to feel so overwhelmed that I am having little panic attacks and unable to stay focused and productive. Help!!!

    • Wildkitten

      Take care of yourself and take care of your baby. You told your bosses what to expect, so now it’s on them to worry about the work stuff. They’ll figure it out when they have to.

      • posey

        +1. Not everything is going to be tied up with a bow when you go out. You’ve tried your best and things that have to get done will get done, albeit not by you. You can’t control other people’s inability to plan.

    • Meg Murry

      Can you ask who they have planned to take over your files and start pre-transitioning with those people now? If I were the person who was going to take over during someone’s maternity leave and there was a chance the person was going to go out early, I would welcome the chance to meet with that person multiple times before they actually went out on leave. Even if the bosses don’t seem to care, if its your peers who will be doing the workload, they might.
      Also, put it in writing? As in “I know we originally talked about me working up to my due date of XXX, but my doctor has told me that it is likely I’ll be unable to work beyond YYY, so we should make a transition plan for YYY at the latest”

    • Anonymous

      Can you set 15-30 minutes aside at the beginning or the end of each day to organize and get small tasks out of the way?

    • Blonde Lawyer

      Ask your assistant if you have one to create a word document with all of your cases, upcoming deadlines and things he/she knows needs to be done. Then you fill in all the other things you know need to be done. Anytime you get any task, no matter how small, add it to the doc. When you finish it, use the strike through font function instead of deleting it so people will know it was done. If you need to go out, hand the doc over.

    • T. McGill

      Thanks everyone. I am trying to have a more relaxed attitude about things — I am but one person with 24 hours in a day, so I will get done what I can get done, and let the chips fall where they may. I am making it known that I might have to go out early, and that due to certain complications, I might be very out of pocket during my recovery, so if I don’t have an updated status memo and my office looks like a bomb went off when I leave, not my problem. Bigger fish to fry.

      • Philanthropy Girl

        I sympathize with your situation. I also have to deliver early.

        My HR director, who is very thoughtful, reminded me that anyone at any time could need to be out on leave – heart attack, car accident, ill spouse or child – and that there was no way to plan for these things. She also reminded me it was the company’s job to have a plan for if this happened – all she needed me to do was share what I knew when I knew it, and make sure my files were organized enough someone could handle the bare bones if necessary.

        It was good advice. Do what you can, when you can. Communicate well and make sure your things are organized enough that if someone went through them they could find what they need.

        Other than that, try to enjoy the last weeks of your pregnancy, take care of yourself and your baby, and let the rest of it go. Wishing you all the best!

  13. Anon Associate

    I am coordinating the work assignments for our summer associates this year. I received an assignment from a partner that has a political bent, with a note that the summer may feel free to turn it down if they don’t agree with the politics. How do I go about handling this? I can’t imagine just asking the summer whether they support a certain political position. I don’t want to make it seem like certain views are required to work at our firm (I’ve never received a political assignment before). This just seems like a minefield to me. Thanks for your advice!

    • Tunnel

      Could you send out an email about the new assignment with a “please let me know if you are available and interested in working on this assignment”?

    • kc esq

      Can you send a mass email to the summers briefly describing it and asking if anyone is especially interested in the assignment (so one can opt in rather than awkwardly opt out)?

    • roses

      Can you send a general email to the whole summer class asking if anyone would like to take on the project? That way you’re leaving it up to them to volunteer instead of singling out someone to share their political views.

    • Jen

      During my summer, my assignment coordinator did precisely what the partner asked you to do, and it was totally fine. I was just told that I had been selected as a candidate to work on a particular project, and was told I could think about whether I wanted to be involved and let the coordinator know the next day, no pressure. As it turned out, it was right up my alley and I didn’t need that long to jump on it!

  14. Anon

    Anyone know how the Old Navy maxi skirts/maxi dresses fit? I’m looking for a few pieces for an upcoming vacation (don’t want to spend too much) but I don’t want to bother ordering online if it’s all going to be a bust. For the record, I’m 5’1, and about a size 4.

    TIA!

    • Killer Kitten Heels

      ON’s sizing is ENORMOUS. Given your measurements, I’d probably order an XS, or a petite XS if they offer it in a given item.

      • kellyandthen

        Agreed–and they are SUPER long. Like, I’m a solid 2 or 3 inches than the average woman and am pretty curvy (thus, my curves take up vertical length, if that makes sense), and I still trip over my 2 ON maxi dresses pretty consistently. I love them, but I have to be careful.

    • Bonnie

      ON is my go to for vacation dresses and skirts. I’m 5’4″ and recently had to return a maxi dress because it was too short so would suggest ordering in multiple size types.

    • Sparrow

      I bought two of the high/low maxi dresses from Old Navy. I’m 5’0 and bought them in petite XS. The lengthis perfect and didn’t need any alterations. I bought another regular maxi dress also in the same size and the length was good.

      I’m about 120 lbs, but carry most of my weight around my stomach. I like the dresses b/c they sort of float away and don’t feel clingy around my stomach.

    • OklaAttorney

      I purchased an ON maxi dress recently and wore it on my vacation last week. I am 5’8, 145 lbs, 32DD and I ordered a regular small. It was long enough to almost brush the floor and was not tight at all.

  15. Raises

    Is it true that you can only ask for a raise once during you time with a company?

    I have been at my (non-law) firm for about eighteen months, and my current position for a year. The review/raise/promotion structure is very formal. Last year (after just six months in my role), I got a very small cost-of-living increase in my base pay and a decent bonus. Researching similar roles, I’m in the bottom half pay for my position.

    In the past year, I have finished a master’s degree from a top school in a somewhat related subject, received a rigorous professional certification, and gone from managing no people to managing a small team. I also now report to someone much more senior than where I originally started, and my role is more complex. Should I blatantly ask for an increase in pay or just highlight these accomplishments in my self-evaluation? How do I know when the right time in my career is to ask for more pay?

    • Wildkitten

      I have never heard you can only ask for a raise once during your time with a company. I think you can ask for a raise annually or whenever there is a chance in your duties or qualifications. You have had both, and should absolutely be asking for more pay.

    • Anne Shirley

      I have never heard you can only ask for a raise once during your time with a company. I think you can ask for a raise annually or whenever there is a chance in your duties or qualifications. You have had both, and should absolutely be asking for more pay.

  17. Killer Kitten Heels

    PSA – Banana Republic is having a 40% off full-price/50% off sale-price items sale, and for once they’re not excluding suits. If you’re in the market for a decent-quality basic suit, they have navy and black available right now (I just scored the navy jacket + pants + skirt for about $225, when that combo usually runs about $400). I know they’re not the most amazing suits ever created, but the pants are lined and they come in multiple inseam lengths, and the quality is pretty good for the (sale) price.

  18. Anonattorney

    Random shapewear FYI:

    I’ve been looking for good little shorts to wear under skirts and dresses this summer. So far I’ve tried three different brands: Jockey Shaping Tummy Short, Spanx Medium Control Skinny Britches Mid-Thigh, and a brand from Rite Aid – Secret light control shorts. I think I’m leaning toward the Secret brand. The shorts roll up a little bit, but the control is really light, they are not hot at all, and they don’t cut in anywhere. The Spanx Skinny Britches are really lightweight, but still are too tight in spots. I’d either size up, or get something with less control. The Jockeys are just too thick, so the edges are noticeable under dresses and pants.

    Just thought I’d share!

  19. KinCA

    Maybe it’s silly, but I just found out my work BFF is moving back to her home country in the next 8 weeks and it’s making me really sad. She’s been at my company much longer than me, and it’s hard to imagine working here without her.

    There goes my productivity this morning.

    • Wildkitten

      This happened to me and it was really sad. But I can still gchat my friend and she understands the characters in work stories, and I made new work friends. It gets better.

    • Flying Squirrel

      Not exactly the same, but I can totally relate. My work BFF just got an offer from another company that I’m 99% sure she’s going to take. Things have been really bad here at work, and she’s one of the main things that’s made it bearable (what’s sweet is that she told me she mentioned in her interview that leaving one of her colleagues in particular, me, would be the one thing she’ll miss about here). Since she’s still negotiating her offer, she hasn’t told anyone here…so I’m even more alone in my sadness :(

      I’m really happy for her, though, since it’s a great opportunity!

  20. DC pedi recs?

    Any recommendations for an affordable, but decent & hygeinic pedicure in DC? TIA!!

      • AttiredAttorney

        Mimosa did a horrible job with the logistics of a large, bridal party reservation I had there (took about four hours to get eight pedicures done), but agreed that they are clean, do a good job, and the free champagne is a nice touch. As long as you don’t mind waiting, I second the recommendation.

    • Flying Squirrel

      Vicky’s in Georgetown (Yelp has rumors that even FLOTUS goes there).

      If you’re willing to venture out of the District, the mani/pedi person (Nina) at Silk Salon Spa which is just outside Courthouse Metro is also very good.

      Both places are not too expensive.

  21. s

    I have this shirt, and it’s fabulous.

    It runs large. If you are waffling between two sizes, size down. For reference, I needed the same size that I wear at LOFT.

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