Corporette.com

Updated: Nov 1, 2018 110 Comments · by

Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Jersey Tami

The Personal Shopper (TPS) |

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Old Navy Jersey Tami | CorporetteOur daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Maybe this is news to no one but me, but I'm intrigued by Old Navy's “tami” — a camisole with thicker straps than a camisole, but thinner straps than a tank top. They sell it in 3-packs! TONS of colors! Petites, talls, plus sizes, and maternity versions! Fascinating. What do you guys think of the tami, and how does it rate compared to some of our other camisole favorites? Prices for the tami range from $5.99 (sale price) to $12.94. Old Navy Jersey Tami Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-3)

Sales of note for 9.30.24

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. Cb

    Early TJ but I’m home from work after a challenging week and feel the need to stress bake.

    Best chocolate cake / chocolate tart recipe, go:

      • Cb

        Ooh, sadly no sour cream (I don’t even know if they sell it in the uk) but is appears I can substitute natural yoghurt which I have leftover from a recipe earlier this week.

        • Also in Academia

          I would think this substitution would work fine taste-wise although I am not sure what it would do to the rising process. I made waffles once with yogurt in them and they puffed up hugely.

          On a related note, what do you put on baked potatoes in the UK? Butter?

          • Woods-comma-Elle

            Yes, you can buy it here, it’s a grocery store staple.

            To answer Anon’s question, butter is more typical for baked potatoes.

          • Cb

            Good to know! It’s not something I eat so I guess I’ve never looked for it. My sad local tesco doesn’t have it but maybe waitrose does?

        • Lily-Student

          Cb, I usually buy natural yoghurt (Sainsbury’s do a great Normandy fromage frais) or creme fraiche to use in recipes which ask for sour cream, purely because I never use up the rest of the sour cream.

      • Cb

        Fabulous! I’ve got MNF says’ cake in the oven right now (smells amazing!) but these are all going into my Evernote sweets notebook.

    • Anon

      Google erin cooks flourless chocolate cake with espresso whipped cream

      Disclaimer: I’m not erin and I don’t know her :) but my belly knows this cake VERY well!

    • Carrie

      I spent a couple years making every chocolate cake recipe I could find, searching for the perfect chocolate cake. I never found it, finally realizing I was trying to recreate the experience of eating a Sacher torte for the first time, in Vienna, after my first trip to see an opera when I was 16. Impossible.

      So this is my fail safe recipe that everyone loves, kids and adults, and is truly decadent. And so easy. The baker in me is embarrassed by the “cheating” in using some packaged items, but honestly, it tastes better than almost any scratch cake I have made.

      1 package chocolate fudge cake mix
      1 3.5oz package of instant vanilla pudding
      1 pint sour cream
      1/2 cup oil (I use coconut oil)
      1/2 cup Kahlua
      2 eggs
      12 oz chocolate chips

      1) Set oven at 325
      2) Grease/flour a tube pan, or use your favorite spray.
      3) Mix all ingredients except the chips in a bowl.
      4) Then add the chips and mix.
      5) Pour into pan.
      6) Bake at 325 for 1hr to 1hr 10min.
      7) Cool completely before removing from the pan.

      No frosting necessary. But a little vanilla ice cream on the side is a favorite of mine to cut the richness.

    • Toffee

      It has many names, but the world’s easiest chocolate chip cake on all recipes is good. Also called the labor inducing cake, lol. Basically box cake with a pudding mix in it.

    • Meg Murry

      For cupcakes, not cake, this America’s Test Kitchen recipe is awesome. Really good and super chocolatey (too chocolatey for kids – made them for a birthday party and kids didn’t like them but parents loved them. I also like that the recipe comes together just whisking by hand, no need to break out a mixer. Never used the mocha frosting recipe though, just plain chocolate. The recipe also calls for using super high quality chocolate, but its pretty darn good with plain old tollhouse chips and Hersheys cocoa powder, so I imagine it could be amazing with even better chocolate.
      http://delectablymine.blogspot.com/2011/04/ultimate-chocolate-cupcakes-with.html

    • JEB

      I just found this blog today, but there are some really tasty looking recipes. She has several chocolate tarts, and a really great looking chocolate cake with oreo cream frosting. http://www.bakerita.com/

  2. PP

    For tanks, IMO nothing beats the Everlane Ryan tank! It feels so much more expensive than it is, and the drape is amazing! I order a size down from what they recommend so that it doesn’t have a crazy loose neck and arm holes (like how it seems popular to wear your tank tops these days). I’ve worn it under suit jackets too and I think it looks great. The T-shirt is nice too, but I wish it didn’t have the pocket. https://www.everlane.com/r/86pa5n

    • lawsuited

      Is Everlane a subscription service? How does it work? Why do I have to “join” to view products?

    • Calico

      Couldn’t agree more. I love the Ryan tank. Agree with sizing down because of the armholes. It drapes beautifully and even washes well. Supposed to be hand wash but I forget all the time and throw it in the washer. (Never dryer though.)

      I don’t like the Ryan tee because the neck is too wide to for me. It slips off my shoulder and I can’t bend over in the least with out worrying about exposure. Love Everlane though!

  3. unemployed

    I have several of these tamis, and I really love them for casual weekend wear.

    And for an immediate threadjack, I was laid off yesterday and I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around it. I have a few very promising leads and so far I’m not freaking out too much about finding a job. It is very strange to not have a routine anymore. What should I do now? I’m looking for both fun and responsible suggestions.

    • Red Beagle

      Tamis or tanks – I’ve tried to like them, but they don’t fit me in a flattering way unless they are made of a fabric like silk and drape.
      Sorry to hear about your layoff. As far as what next, it depends if you have a bit of cash set aside and how much. If you can manage it, I’d get away for a weekend or a week to some moderately priced getaway – preferably by yourself unless a significant other would be helpful – just to get some perspective. Then come back refreshed and get started on the next phase of your life. When I was laid off about 15 years ago, it was a great thing for me as I ended up happily self employed for 10 years (which grew organically out of consulting to people I’d worked with) and eventually wound up in the public sector. All of this starting in my late 30’s. I would embrace it as an opportunity.

    • Anonymous

      Do bartenders and day drinking for a week; then tradition to a boring routine of working out, job applications, and stressing about failing to learn Italian while watching 5 hours of HGTV a day.

      • TXLawyer

        Giggle fit. The only way I know you weren’t watching me three years ago is that I was stressing about failing to learn *Spanish* while watching 5 hours of HGTV.

    • Medic Maggie

      Oh big hugs. I’m so sorry. I was laid off a few years ago, about 2 weeks after I found out I was preggo. I’d only told my BFF in the office, and not my boss at the time. She sat down with my boss and told her, (after asking me if it was ok), and said that they both had a good cry in boss’s office. I do fully believe that everything does happen for a reason, and I am in a FAR better place in my career now than I was then.

      First: file for unemployment. It’s a benefit owed to you provided by your former company. Keep up with the job leads & whatnot (and chances are, if you’re posting on this, you’re earning way more than UE will be able to keep up with, but at least it’s something–even I was in that boat as a starter-level technical professional). But, if you EVER thought about a changing career path, now is the time to take it. I had all of my forms & applications filled out to send off to nursing school when the ad for my current job was posted. I sometimes wonder what would have happened, but in the end, I do think I am happier here, for right now.

      I took on a part-time job at a florist, something I had always wanted to do, and it supplemented my UE, and it gave me something fun to do.

      If you have the means, travel. Visit friends or family in locations you’ve never been. Remodel your home. Take on some new self-improvement projects. Don’t watch Dawson’s Creek reruns. Take the time to ensure that your finances are entirely squared away. I actually read a really interesting article last night about how corporate america and consumerism is actually what is driving both the 40-hour workweek, but also our uncanny “need” to spend money. The author had just spent time backpacking in europe, and was astounded to find that he lived much happier on less, than he did when he was finally offered a well-paying job. The job, he said, makes people want to try to chase happiness with the dollar, but in reality, the happiness he found was when he had the least money, but the most time. It was really eye-opening.

      Super big hugs.

    • Red Beagle

      On the value of a getaway, DH did the same thing when he was laid off years ago — he got a pretty decent severance package and went to Europe for a month, which really helped his perspective. He started his own business and never worked for anyone other than himself again.

    • Katie

      I’m sorry to hear of your layoff. It certainly sounds like you’ve got your head on straight, though. I would suggest taking this weekend to be kind to yourself, and if you do find yourself stressing, remind yourself that you’ll start searching for a new job in earnest on Monday, but that this time is to recharge your batteries so you can begin again on a clean slate. Perhaps take in a museum or a matinee at a quirky art house cinema? I also like kayaking (where I live, you can rent a kayak by the hour and paddle around), going for a long nature walk/hike with a friend, or taking the time to hit the farmers market and using those fresh ingredients to cook/bake something tasty from scratch. None of those options are terribly expensive but are nice relaxing activities to get your mind off things. I find that keeping myself occupied is what helps me the most, so I’m not dwelling on “what ifs”. Wishing you the best.

    • LawDawg

      Volunteer! This is a great opportunity to put time into things that you have always wanted to do, but never had the time for. I recently went back to work after an extended period of unemployment (14 months). I’m still trying to fit the humane society back into my work schedule, but going there every week gave me structure and purpose (and I loved playing with the cats).

    • Anon

      For a responsible suggestion – cut way, way back on expenses. Seriously – if it isn’t (reasonably priced) food, shelter, transportation, or utilities, don’t buy it.

      When I was laid off from Big Law in 2008, I did not do this. I cut back some, but still splurged occasionally and assumed I’d find something fairly quickly (I also had promising leads). It took me almost a full year to find a full-time position. I’m still there 5 years later and love it, so all’s well that ends well, but I do regret not being more financially conservative from the get-go.

    • unemployed

      Thanks for all your responses! I feel a lot better taking the weekend to not worry about things.

      • Wildkitten

        Don’t forget to collect unemployment, if you are qualified. It can make a big difference in making ends meet.

  4. Anon

    I’m short and busty and generally use camis for cleavage coverage. Any cami without adjustable straps is useless to me because they are too low-cut.

    • Medic Maggie

      for inexpensive, adjustable-strap camis, I’ve had really good luck at rugged wearhouse. They’re cotton/spandex blend, and they typically have a ton of colors. They’re snug, and kind of long like the “kids these days” wear them for layering, but they’re great. and cheap.

      • rosie

        Haven’t seen the rugged warehouse ones, but they sound similar to the ones at Costco (Kirkland brand). Longer length is great.

    • mascot

      Same here, plus short waisted. The Halogen tanks work well for me because they come in petite lengths.

      • hoola hoopa

        +1 for halogen. I like a longer length, so I still buy regular which hits me low-hip (I’m 5’1″).

        I will say though that I do have a couple of non-adjustable tanks (including one from ON) that are high enough for cleavage coverage.

        • tesyaa

          With some tanks you can wear them backward for a higher fit in front. Also depends on whether the tag is removable. Sometimes if it’s printed on it shows through.

  5. hydration PSA from yesterday

    To continue briefly about the conversation had yesterday about overhydration, as posters mentioned, hydration really is the key to so many different physiological norms. Our bodies rely on proper hydration for optimal functioning. Bowel movements? Heart palpitations? Headaches? Muscle aches? Concentration? Skin & hair appearance? It is all tied together. Remember, too, though, that when those suggestions were made however many years ago, a lot of people were more active than they are today. If you exercise regularly, perform manual labor, live in a dry climate/work outside, then you will probably have a higher hydration need than a sedentary desk worker.

    Unless you are an ultra-marathon runner, there’s not much likelihood that you can overhydrate to the point of danger (electrolyte imbalance is a scary thing). But, there’s no reason to force yourself to drink fluids if you aren’t thirsty, or if you find that it’s taking up room in your tummy for food, or that it just makes you feel yucky. Drink as much as you need, and don’t overthink it.

    • Water?

      For me, the biggest thing about drinking lots of water is that it makes me need the bathroom so quickly and all. the. time. It’s super disruptive at work and I just don’t drink a great deal, but then I also find that I’m very rarely thirsty so it really depends on the person.

      • Spirograph

        This is exactly why I drink a bunch of water… it forces me to get up and walk around every hour to use the bathroom and refill my water bottle. Otherwise I’d get wrapped up in work and not move all day, which makes me feel terrible later. Plus the act of drinking keeps me more focused and awake.

        I don’t have a goal water intake, though, or keep track of how many times I fill my bottle, I just like to drink water. It always baffles me that some people don’t… it doesn’t have a taste or a weird texture, which are the reasons *I* dislike some food/beverages, and it’s pretty much the most essential thing for life after air. How can you dislike it?! (no judgement, I just don’t understand.)

        • PolyD

          Some places have nasty water. I use a Brita filter pitcher at home because my tap water (Maryland county that touches DC) is vile and tastes of chlorinated algae. But the Brita works. My office moved to a new building a year ago and we have refrigerators that dispense good-tasting water (vs. the old building that had drinking fountains that dispensed the vile water) and ice, so my water consumption has gone way up.

          So I think that’s why some people hate drinking water, although there are work-arounds (filters, lemon, mint, etc.) At home, I like seltzer with a few drops of bitters, plain old Angostura or fancy hipster bitters.

        • Water?

          Every hour would be one thing, but for me it’s more like every 15 minutes if I drink more than a small glass of water (fluids go right through me).

          • Anonymous

            A glass of water should not be making you have to pee every 15 minutes! I hope you’ve talked to your doctor about this.

        • Gail the Goldfish

          Clearly you have never had water from some of the coastal towns in Georgia. It has this horrible sulfury taste. I am pretty much opposed to bottle water, but the water there tastes so nasty that I’ll buy it.

          • Spirograph

            True, true. I have a pretty high tolerance for funny tap water tastes (in fact, I might live in the same county as PolyD, and I drink tap water here), but I did have the unfortunate experience of living somewhere with sulfury-tasting water for a year. That was intolerable, and I had to get a Culligan subscription.

            I’m spolied at work anyway, my office has a fancy purifying hot/cold water dispenser.

    • Ellen

      Yay! Fruegel Friday’s! I love fruegel Friday’s and these Old Navy Tami’s! They are very inexpenseive, but I can’t wear them to work b/c they are to tight and Frank would be stareing if not paweing at my boobie’s. He was getting better, but I think it is like the tide with him. Some time’s he is OK, then other times, it is like he has NOT had any female attention for a week, and he has all this pent up sexueality to get rid of. — But NOT with my boobie’s or tuchus. That is what is wife is for. FOOEY!

      As for the OP, I agree that Hydration is the key to good health, but to much drinkeing lead’s to alot of trip’s to the bathroom. If you drink early in the day, you can pee b/f you get home, but if you drink in the evening, you will have to wake up to pee, and that is disruptive of sleepeing, and that is worse yet. I therefore drink about 32 OZ of water beginning NOW (10am), then at lunch I start the second 32 oz, peeing along the way, and by the time it’s 3:30 or so, Ive drunken all I need to for the day, so it’s coasteing the rest of the day, aside from my trip’s to the toilet. I still have to use the toilet in the hall b/c I can NOT rely on the firm toilet being available for me with Frank sitting guard in there most of the day with the Daily New’s or the P’OST. DOUBEL FOOEY! That is b/c the janitor’s hang around near the bathroom doors and the elevator and seem to know when I go in there so they can come in to “fix” thing’s while I am busy. TRIPEL FOOEY!

      Meanwhile the manageing partner’s brother dropped by last nite. I let him stay for about 30 minute’s before I told him I needed to go to sleep. He said he wished he could join me. Why are these guy’s so forward about sleepeing with me? I have NO interest in haveing any kind of releationship with him. He is married still and even tho he is witty, the mere thought of haveing sex with him is NOT something I want to think about. FOOEY! Has anyone in the hive dealt with a lech like this? How can I get rid of him w/o alieneating the manageing partner? HELP!!!!!!

      • tesyaa

        Ellen, shouldn’t the correct spelling be “peeeing”? I don’t think you included the right number of “e”‘s.

      • anon

        Ellen?! You drink 32oz of fluid between 10am and lunch? That is the craziest thing you have ever written.

  6. Burgher

    I have about 10 of these tamis, but I also work in a pretty casual office. Depending on what fabrics you primarily wear, they may not work for you, since they wouldn’t go with a “dressier” fabric.

    I use them primarily for layering under camis and thin sweaters/button ups and for bringing up the neckline of lower or plunging tops. However, if you are larger busted, they may still feel a little low cut.

    I have also found that getting petite sizing versus regular didn’t seem to change all that much, however I am at that pesky height where I am too tall for petite but too short for regular, so I can go either way.

    • Grumpy

      How thick is the material? I love sleeveless shirts that I usually wear with a cardigan, but I’ve found that (as is common with many women’s clothing) they are fairly thin and will have a visible line from the waistline of the jeans, even if the shirt is loose.

      I’m finding the photos for the different colors to be a little inconsistent (awkward poses? too small shirt?). The navy and red photos look flattering, but the teal one looks like the shirt shows every bump and curve.

    • MK

      Good to know that the petites aren’t a lot different – I have one of these, but unfortunately it’s too low-cut for me to use it under a wrap top to cover my cleavage. They are relatively thick – I use it to sleep in instead, since it doesn’t work with the shirt I intended to wear with it.

  7. Anonymous

    I own a couple of these tamis and I like them OK – I order a size down too…. in addition to taking away some sheerness/addding extra coverage for the possible button-gap, I like camisoles with stretch to hold me in a little bit (but maybe I’m doing it wrong?). For me, the tami doesn’t do the holding-in too well. I have a bunch of Best Loved Bra Camis from Express (some are from high school, over 10 years ago). http://www.express.com/clothing/best+loved+bra+cami/pro/6416500/cat320055

  9. cbackson

    Any recommendation of a non-exorbitantly priced florist in Manhattan? I need to send flowers and I hate FTD and its ilk. Recipient is in Midtown if it makes a difference.

    • Anon in NYC

      Fresh Cut Flowers on 43rd street and 10th avenue. The minimum charge is $50 but it’s a pretty large floral arrangement and the flowers last for about a week. I’ve used them for gifts for others and my husband sends me flowers from them and I have always found the quality to be consistently good.

    • NYNY

      Second Scott’s. I’ve also received beautiful flowers from Alaric (alaricflowers.com).

  10. rosie

    Need help with baby shower gift. It’s for a cousin. For other cousins (I don’t attend many because of distance), I typically do a $25 gift card to the place where they registered and a board book. This cousin is having triplets. Do I have a bigger gift card? The same gc and 3 books? Suggestions please!

    • Anon

      As the soon to be mom of twins, I know that I would definitely appreciate a gift card that reflected three kids vs. one. Maybe do $50 and three books?

      I think it would be a nice gesture to do three books that way each child is acknowledged as a individual and not just as part of a whole.

      As a frequent attender of baby showers (seems like my friends have moved from weddings to babies stage) I can understand gifting fatigue.

      • ELS

        This was going to be my suggestion — $50 on the gift card and three books. I also tend to give the same amount to my family members at times like this. However, the fact that there are soon to be three (!!!) new little ones in your cousin’s life means that there are many more things that will need to be purchased, which, at least for me, would absolutely justify giving more.

        • rosie

          Yes, and I don’t think this part of the family is the “compare notes” type, so I’m not too concerned about people that I gave less to getting offended (and even if they did compare notes, I think they would understand about the multiples).

    • Harriet

      If you can afford it, I would buy the poor woman a full staff and four weeks on a cruise ship round the Bahamas. Failing that, a bigger gift card sounds good.

  11. Killer Kitten Heels

    I use these as undershirts for work days (so there’s a work-appropriate top over the “tami”) and really like them. I order them 2 sizes down to get a close “undershirt” fit, and they’re good for that purpose. If I order one-size down, I can use them as standalone “weekend” tops, but I tend to layer even on the hottest days, so I don’t own many for that purpose.

  12. NYC spa (Tibby)

    Any suggestions for a good place to get a reasonably-priced massage and facial in NYC? Bonus points if in Manhattan on the east side. TIA :)

    • Anon in NYC

      Not sure about your definition of reasonably priced, but I’ve had good facials at Silk Day Spa and Great Jones Spa. Good massages at both places too, but for a less expensive massage I’d recommend Graceful Services (I’ve had better massages at the 2nd avenue location versus the 14th street location).

  14. Bonnie

    I hate the name tami and don’t get the concept of a tank with straps that are too narrow to hide bra straps. Maybe I’m just cranky today.

    • Squiggles

      The straps are actually pretty wide. I wear a very-very-very large cupped bra, so substantial straps and never have a problem with brastraps peeking out.

  15. nutella

    Threadjack, please! What are everyone’s favorite ‘party’ mascaras? I’m looking for volume more than length, but don’t mind length. I just don’t want clumpy but full lashes.

    • Anon

      If it’s a special occasion, I use false lashes. Once you get the hang of it, they’re pretty easy. I tend to dislike volumizing mascaras because the ones I’ve tried either give me racoon-eyes or is impossible to wash off, but maybe I’ve just tried duds.

      • Woods-comma-Elle

        Me too. I used to think false lashes were impossible, but they’ve improved a lot and it’s easy to put them on after a bit of practice (though I still put on normal mascara first because I basically have blonde lashes).

    • AEK

      Tarte Lights Camera Lashes. Also recommend a separate volumizing primer if that’s what you’re really going for— I find that the two-step process really pays off. (For me, this is a special-occasion thing. Regular-day me does not do multi-step anything.)

        • AEK

          I use the Tarte Multipleye. Have heard good things about the Urban Decay but I don’t use it (b/c of Loreal).

        • lawsuited

          I’ve found that multiple coats of volumizing mascara works as well as a coat of volumizing primer and a coat of mascara, and it’s a bit easier to see what you’re doing along the way. Personally, I can’t tell if I’ve put too much/too little white primer until I put black mascara over it.

      • Tinkerbell

        How is the Tarte mascara for oily skin? Any fall-out? Do mascara flakes fall into your eyes and make your contact lenses feel like knives scraping your eyeballs?

    • lawsuited

      For very full, voluminous lashed I use Lancome Hypnose (with the hour-glass shaped brush) every day and for evening or special events I add Lancome Hypnose Drama on top.

  16. application

    A job I was interested in was posted on June 30, so I ended up not applying because it seemed like too long ago. A few days ago, the same job was re-posted, this time by a recruiter. The original is still up. I’d now like to apply, since it seems like it’s still open. Should I apply to the original or to the newer recruiter ad?

    • XC

      As a recruiter, my take on this is that the company is having a hard time filling this role so they reached out to a staffing agency. Usually when this happens, they are desperate. So by all means apply.

      Whether to go with the newer ad or not, that’s up to you. The recruiter’s account manager most likely has a relationship with that company. If you get the job, both of you will benefit.

      If you want, give the recruiter a call and if you’re turned off, apply on your own. But still apply.

  17. Wet feet

    I don’t really have a problem figuring out what to wear on my feet when it’s raining & cold–I usually just go for a boot instead of a flat or a heel. I hate the feeling of cold wet feet/toes, and it never seems to fail that if I wear flats or heels, at some point, in walking in the rain, something will get damp. But, it’s in the 70’s, cloudy, and rainy today.

    I’m kind of new to “high fashion” (as in, I’m wearing dark skinny jeans, toms & a floral blouse to work today, and don’t own a suit as my office doesn’t necessitate it), but at some point, I’d like to be able to look dressed up, with decent shoes, in the rain. What do you all do? I don’t walk for commute, but our building complex sometimes requires walking a block or so between the parking area, and the 3 buildings that house our offices. Do you just suck it up and have damp feet? How do you navigate this?

    • hoola hoopa

      I’m in the PNW and frequently move between buildings in the rain. If it’s about one block, I do fine with patent leather (I only wear flats, unrelated to weather). If it’s more than that, I wear boots. I wear leather boots most rainy days, but on the truly pouring days I unapologetically wear cute rain boots (no client contact).

  18. mss

    Do these look like cotton? I’m looking for tanks that have a nicer sheen to them, to wear as a shell. Any ideas?

    • anon

      I use the Shimera tanks from Nordstrom for this purpose (they’re lycra-ish or a blend of something that makes them stretchy & not cottony (which I loathe)). I’m a big fan. They run TTS.

  19. Jokester

    Um, I have a friend from New Jersey named Tami (spelled that way, too). So I put this on her Facebook page.

Back to Top

About

Work with Corporette®

Serious Stuff

work fashion blog press mentions