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Updated: Dec 23, 2022 207 Comments · by

Frugal Friday’s Workwear Report: Pleat-Neck Sleeveless Cami

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A woman wearing a pleat-neck white sleeveless top and black pants

Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

Here's an idea: Congratulate yourself on successfully finishing your holiday shopping by getting a little something for yourself — in this case, a reliable workwear basic with some detail that elevates it a bit. (If your shopping isn't done yet, I feel your pain.) Not only is this top — perfect for wearing underneath a blazer — getting tons of great reviews at Amazon, but it's appeared in at least two of our monthly posts where we round up readers' most-bought items.

The top is available at Amazon in a wide price range depending on color/print (up to size 16), and at Dillard's for $44 in aubergine and cranberry. (We'll warn you that some of the prints are … a little loud.)

This blouse is sold out at CalvinKlein.com, but the site does have a big markdown on the short-sleeve version in plus sizes.

P.S. Make sure to check out our post on what to buy for work outfits at Amazon.

P.P.S. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and to those readers in the path of the storm, be safe!

Sales of note for 10.10.24

  • Nordstrom – Extra 25% off clearance (through 10/14); there's a lot from reader favorites like Boss, FARM Rio, Marc Fisher LTD, AGL, and more. Plus: free 2-day shipping, and cardmembers earn 6x points per dollar (3X the points on beauty).
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale (ends 10/12)
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything plus extra 25% off your $125+ purchase
  • Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
  • Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
  • J.Crew – 40% off sitewide
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site, plus extra 25% off orders $150+
  • Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Neiman Marcus – Sale on sale, up to 85% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 50% off 2+ markdowns
  • Target – Circle week, deals on 1000s of items
  • White House Black Market – Buy one, get one – 50% off full price styles

About Kate Antoniades

Editor of Corporette since 2014, Kate Antoniades lives in her hometown of Rochester, NY. A cat person and Oxford comma loyalist, she loves thrift shopping and has too many craft supplies.

Comments

  1. Anonymous

    I walk fast. This is partly family ingrained, it is a habit. My boyfriend of two years walks about half as fast. He’s taller, but he strolls everywhere. I’m typically 3-4 steps in front of him before I remember he walks slow and have to turn around. Airline travel this fall and winter means I have gotten on the tram when he hasn’t. I’m trying to figure out how to remind myself to slow way down. We are long distance so we only see each other every couple months, which means my normal fast walk returns when I’m back on my own!

    • Anon

      I mean I walk super fast too but I’ve never gotten on a tram without my travel companion. That just seems rude.

      • Trish

        She didn’t ask for your opinion. She knows it’s problematic. She asked for a solution. Mean girl.

        • Anon

          The solution is don’t board a tram without your partner — it’s pretty obvious.

    • Cat

      I would have kind of hurt feelings that this happened often, like you don’t remember you’re with me?! for travel maybe you walk behind him if you’re going single file (like threading your way through an airport)?

      if this is a problem all the time, do you never hold hands? are you not chatting to each other when walking?

    • Anonymous

      My mom is often half a block ahead of my dad, and they’ve been married for 33 years.

      That being said, she’s never gotten on a tram without him…

    • KS IT Chick

      If you figure it out, please share. My DH and I have been married for nearly 30 years, and we still can’t find a way to walk together. I’m short, with short legs even for my height, and I just can’t walk as fast as he can. And it’s painful to try.

    • Anon

      Something I’ve learned from years of distance running and cycling is how to set a pace to the slowest person (and there have certainly been times when I’m the slowest/least fit person in the group!). Many of the same principles apply here. Clarify expectations ahead of time – is what you’re doing “no drop”, or will the group break up and regroup at some designated points? Communication ahead of time prevents a lot of hurt feelings and miserable experiences! Make a point to stay next and an almost imperceptible smidge behind the slower person. When you need to go single file, get behind the slower person, or ensure they are tucked into the group.

      • Anon

        Yeah, this is a skill I learned running cross country in high school and leading hiking trips in college. You need learn situational awareness of the entire group, not just yourself. It’s an entire change in mentality and it’s always really interesting to note that some people pick it up easily and some people don’t.

    • Anon

      My husband strolls. I think of walking with him as a totally different activity than walking — it’s not my version of walking it’s strolling. When I’m with him I stroll too.

      • Anonymous

        I stroll, too. That’s my natural gait, and the tempo in which I walk without having to think about it. Walking at a different pace requires mental effort, whatever your natural speed.

        I hate having to almost jog to keep up with natural fast walkers, so I just let them do their thing and walk like I enjoy. Would be very annoyed with a BF who just leapt unto trams, though.

    • anon

      You don’t remember he’s with you? Sorry but that seems kind of rude. I’m a fast walker too but I don’t leave my companions behind

    • Chl

      My husband is like this. I call it walking like one person instead of walking like two people. Self awareness and apology are huge. Maybe talking as you walk so that you’re more in sync. We’ve actually come to an understanding that I’m just going to walk my pace and if it means we get where we’re going at different times, so be it. Out of all the relationship problems to have, it’s one I don’t worry about too much.

    • Anonymous

      Hold hands when walking. DH is the faster walker between us and it drives me nuts. It’s not a race.

    • anon

      Since you guys are partnered, hold hands or link arms. I have a friend who walks much slower so whenever I’m out and about with her we try to walk side by side. If we can’t (because the sidewalk is narrow and we have to leave room for opposing traffic) then she goes in front of me. If she somehow lags behind I’ve learned to stop every now and then and wait for her to catch up.

    • anon

      I’m about a foot shorter than my husband, but I still walk pretty fast. If I’m ahead of him, I’ll look back to make sure we aren’t too far apart. And I’ll slow down for him to catch up. And I would check to make sure he’s with me before getting on a tram.

    • Anon

      I don’t think you should need help remembering the person you’re walking with! Do you do this with your friends too?

    • Anon

      Im in the NYC area and I’m a very fast Walker when I have to get from point A to point B. If I’m not trying to get somewhere and I’m just walking around, I slow down. My bf walks fast no matter what. If you’re in a rush I think he should step it up and if you’re not, you need to slow it down.

    • Senior Attorney

      If you’re not willing to slow down to his pace, then the only option is to say “I’ll meet you at the gate” in advance, and just admit that you can’t be bothered to make sure he’s with you.

      If I were him I would hate that, but I would hate it less than being dropped unexpectedly.

    • Anonymous

      I’ve been on both sides of this. I used to date a guy who was a habitually slow walker. It was only ever an issue when we were running late in a crowded place, like your airport example, but then it was a BIG issue. It was indicative of a larger personality difference: I’m pretty type A and he is very laid back. He was always the reason we were running late in the first place and then refused to pick up the pace so we wouldn’t miss a ticketed event or plane or something. He also wasn’t a big hand holder and he didn’t want to lead; if we were in a crowd he would fall back and I would think he was right behind me but nope!

      Now I’m married to a fast walker who would leave me in his dust if left to his own devices. If we can’t walk side by side then I usually lead. I’m also not shy about speaking up if he starts pulling ahead of me.

  2. Anonforthis

    Last minute gift assistance please. This is actually a bday gift for my SIL whose bday is on Xmas eve (yes, my husband should be in charge, but he’s busy on a huge deal at work right now so I give him a pass this year). She’s late 20s, newly pregnant, very girly but also trendy. Has nearly everything you could imagine. Budget ~$100. Must be able to buy at a big box store today (if item is small and she can fly back with it) or order online for delivery by next week. TIA!

    • Anon

      What about something like a diptyque candle? Baies is the most popular one I’ve seen (and I love it), but feu de bois is great for winter time.

      • Anon

        I’m we talked about the Sapin the other day – I love that one.

        If you have a Nordstrom nearby, OP, they probably have it.

        Guilty admission; I don’t know what a big box store is. I hear that term and think “Best Buy” but I don’t think that’s what you mean.

        • anon

          I understand big box to mean stores like Target and Wal-Mart. Not sure how the term originated, though.

          • Smokey

            I always thought it was because they literally look like a big box – very large and very square.

        • Anon

          Best Buy is definitely a big box store! Also Target, Walmart, or any other large chain typically found in suburban shopping centers where stores typically look like big boxes.

        • Anon

          Thanks all. After I said Best Buy, I was thinking maybe it means Costco because everything there comes in a big box!

    • Anon

      It sounds like you may want a physical thing, but my in laws gave me generous gift certificates to two of my favorite coffee shop/bakeries while I was pregnant. It was so nice during mat leave to have a destination for my walks or nice treat during the day that I otherwise would have felt guilty spending the money for on more than the most infrequent basis.

    • Lyssa

      I like to give pregnant women fun accessories, like blingy earrings or a scarf. I figure they can use it right away (and get as much dangly jewelry time in as possible, pre-baby-grabbing), but also having lots of fun accessories helps stretch out your limited maternity wardrobe as things progress.

      • Anonymous

        Agree, I was going to suggest an infinity scarf or something like that. A new water bottle could be fun, too.

        • Anon

          No not an infinity scarf! They are dated. A regular scarf is ok, especially if it’s meant for warmth and not just being a drapey cowl like thing for your 2010 influencer pics.

    • A.

      I had shockingly good gift-buying luck at the Container Store. If she likes travel, they have all kinds of cool stuff for that — or desk/paper organizer types of things. If you don’t have one of those near you, I second the idea of a fancy candle — in addition to the brands mentioned, I also like Nest.

    • Smokey

      I would buy her a loose fitting or flowy top or dress from Nordstrom that she could wear to hide her bump before she is ready for maternity clothes. A transitional piece. Returns to Nordstrom are free so she could easily exchange for something else if it doesn’t work out.

  3. Anon

    I want a basic white turtleneck, not ribbed, not cropped. Where do I want to look? I keep wading through things or the white ones are all sold out; do not need chartreuse.

    • ALT

      You may not want a bodysuit, but I have some from the Mangopop brand on Amazon that I really like. They are very basic turtleneck bodysuits but are good quality. I buy a size larger than my normal size so they are a bit less fitted.

    • Cat

      is it for layering or do you want opaque? For layering, the JCrew tissue turtlenecks are great, but the light colors are a bit sheer.

      • Anon

        Oddly, both. Going to try LE and LLB. Looks like I can’t find this locally at all.

    • Anonymous

      Not the most fashionable but try Lands End or LL Bean for a basic turtleneck whose design hasn’t changed in 30 years

    • Curious

      I don’t know if they have white, but I love my Christopher & Banks turtlenecks and get compliments all the time.

    • Anon

      Talbots factory store near me had exactly what you’re describing for $19.99 earlier this week. I was looking for the same thing but in black and tried and disliked options at J Crew, J Crew Factory, Ann Taylor, Loft, Brooks Bros, Banana Republic, and more, before I gave Talbots a shot. For what it’s worth, I don’t see the same style on their website (the perfect turtleneck is the closest but mine has a much higher cotton content) so might only be an option if you’re near a factory store.

        • Anon

          Massachusetts! There’s three I can think of within the greater Boston area, but I’m probably missing a bunch.

    • thanksgiving anxiety

      I’d go to Aritzia during the Boxing Day sale for a stand-alone sweater or stalk Net-A-Porter sales for cashmere. For layering I’d do cotton from Jcrew but Uniqlo has those heattech ones some people like (personally I feel like life is too short for polyblends).

  4. Anonymous

    Nothing like learning on December 23 that you’re not getting a Christmas bonus this year. I regularly work until 11 pm and “unlimited vacation” has turned out to be never getting to take a take time off. No raise this year or even discussion of it either. I really hope I find a new job quickly in the new year. I’ll never work for a small company again and hope I can get out before this mismanaged place goes under. Despite my late nights, I made it through many interviews for two different positions over the last few months. I didn’t get one and the other was closed when the economy shifted. I’m exhausted.

    • Anon

      I’m sorry that sucks about the bonus and the job offers. But also stop working until 11 pm. This company clearly doesn’t value you so why are you prioritizing them? Employers will take as much as you give; you have to draw your own boundaries.

      • Anon

        Definitely stop working so late! You’re obviously not getting anything out of it. Worst case scenario if you get laid off there will be a solid reason for your h employment and you’ll get unemployment benefits, assuming you’re in the US.

    • Vicky Austin

      Oh, I’m so sorry. Crossing my fingers that 2023 brings you the right new opportunity.

  5. Deep Breaths

    Why do mothers choose to make the holidays difficult for themselves and then spend the holidays harrumphing that they’re difficult?

    • Anonymous

      You mean like my mother who insists on buying me gifts I expressly tell her I do not want, and then makes me food I expressly tell her not to make for me because it contains ingredients I won’t eat? Then she complains about how hard all the work she does is, even though everyone repeatedly asks her not to do those things? Yeah I got one of those moms too.

      • Anon

        Do you tell her you had to give away all the food? That you donated the “gifts”? I’ve done that, and she stopped. Too bad if she has a fit. You told her and you followed through.

    • Anon

      I avoid my parents during the holidays at all costs. Holidays in my youth were dreadful because my mother had these great expectations that were never met and then she was just awful to everyone and making everyone feel guilty and awful. Now, she does not understand why I won’t see them for the holidays because in her mind, we had perfect holidays.

    • Anonymous

      My mom, who is staff in higher ed and is thus off on holiday break, runs herself ragged. My dad is a UPS delivery driver and is working 12 hour days in the weather. My siblings and I are at my parents’ but are all wfh today.

      She hates baking but is baking up a storm because “tradition”. And is cranky no one is helping even though we’re all working. And with this weather my dad is perpetually cranky.

      • Anon

        Ha I’m staff in higher ed and baking up a storm over Christmas break. But I don’t have adult children and my husband is not a UPS driver so I’m pretty sure I’m not your mom ;)

    • Anonymous

      Just here to remind everyone how two years ago we were all sad that we could not be with family for the holidays.

      I guess maybe what we really miss is complaining about the impending family visits? I sure do ;)

      Off to make the “must have or it isn’t Christmas” traditional family meal that nobody likes, lest my mother throw a fit for the entire weekend.

      • Anon

        Actually, two years ago I was overjoyed to that there was no guilt imposed for avoiding my family at the holidays. Best Christmas ever for those of us with toxic families.

      • Anon

        Some of us were overjoyed not to have to see our parents for the indefinite future. I had to semifake an injury to get out of this year’s holidays and just relax at home.

    • Anon

      Let’s have a little sympathy for moms, who have been expected to have it all and do it all for their entire lives. It’s the patriarchy at work.

    • Anon

      Societal pressure to be the perfect mom. I don’t think it ever goes away for them. I am happily not a mother.

    • Anonymous

      I’ll say as a mom that a lot of self imposed pressure feels like societal pressure. I try to simplify but with a kid that’s old enough to notice that everyone else has an elf on the shelf or a goes to see the Christmas show, the guilt sets in. And even though rationally I know we’re doing ok, that new pajamas or cookies decorating aren’t actual necessities, I feel like I’m failing them if they miss out on things.

    • Anon

      I’m a mom and this year my kids and husband were arguing about what “we” would make for Christmas dinner. They decided they wanted another turkey. I’d just made one for Thanksgiving, it takes up the whole fridge, and I do the dry brining thing that takes an extra two days. So I said, if you want a turkey, you’re making Christmas dinner. And they are! It’s glorious. We’ll see how it goes day-of.

    • Seventh Sister

      I made my holidays difficult by having two kids but I can’t really return them to the hospital *now*, they’d probably notice. Seriously, there is lots of societal pressure and enforced togetherness but I do try to make it less difficult on myself. For instance, no writing stuff in Christmas cards, no Elf on the Shelf.

      • Trish

        I’m so glad we didn’t do elf on the shelf. When my son was about ten, I stopped killing myself for Christmas. If my bedroom was clean, I didn’t care. Stopped climbing on furniture to have lights on every shelf. Baked if I wanted, store bought if I didn’t. It’s been so much better.

  6. Anon

    Teens in my freezing city are still committed to crop tops. SMH. I am dressing like a biathlon devotee (minus skis and rifle).

    • Anonymous

      I’m glad you clarified the minus skis and rifle.
      (Though the way this storm is going where I am, skis might be useful?)

    • Anon

      Once I commented on a fashion influencer who did this. I asked her why a crop top when she’s visiting VT, and why can’t she show some realistic fashion. I got bombared with criticism for judging her. I’m not sure why expecting to see cute, stylish, weather appropriate clothing is a bad thing.

      • Cat

        I’m sorry, that is veering into Get Off My Lawn territory. If you don’t like someone’s content you just scroll past or unfollow, not comment critically. Also, do you not remember being a 19yo walking to a frat party in winter in a “going out top” and just huddling with your girlfriends for warmth so you didn’t have to bring your coats (which would smell smoky and gross if brought to such an event)?

        • Anon

          LOL my friends and I always wore coats in college, which got thrown in a pile in a corner. It was regularly below freezing in the winter.

        • KS IT Chick

          I swear I was apparently never young. I was the one who prioritized being comfortable over cute. At least in my college days, grunge was a thing, so I could layer and still be sort of fashionable.

          • Anon

            Also, we had the option of “tight clothes” for edginess or being s*xy, so they also did not also have to be short (often they were both, but that’s a July look IMO). Also, I didn’t feel uns&xy in my duck boots and wool sweater — I was a hot teen girl, even in winter clothes.

        • Anon

          I definitely dressed in skimpy outfits in college but I don’t recall going out without a coat except on Halloween

        • Anne-on

          Didn’t we all have a gross hoodie we didn’t care about that could get thrown into a corner at a party and it didn’t matter if you lost it? I also remember having to basically get carried from the dorms into a few frat parties by my dates because the sidewalks were so icy and my heels had zero traction unless I treated them like krampons and stomped every single step.
          Although having a date meet you at your dorm/house and escort you to a party is definitely me showing my age here ;)

    • anon

      When I was a teenager and even in my early 20s, I would dress to look cute over being comfortable or practical. I guess crop tops work if you’re only staying inside? I’m in my mid-40s and we’ll past that stage.

    • Anon

      I walk a dog slowly, so I am all about just not having my ears freeze off while he sniffs. Dog is, of course, a multi-pooper, so the pausing on the walk is a regular thing. Also, no ponytails in winter — it’s amazing the warmth you get from some hair on your neck (so if I were a guy, I’d definitely be on Team Mullet, at least in the winter months).

    • Anon

      Ha. My daughter is 21 and a long-time crop top devotee. When you think about it, crop tops and bodysuits are really the only things that really work with mom jeans. She’s past the mom jeans now but still wearing most tops cropped right at the waist. (Not belly baring unless she raises her arms or moves in any way)

      We’ve been cold in the Bay Area lately and I have been gratified to see that the tops she’s been wearing in December have been about an inch or two longer. Progress!

      • Anon

        A lot of cropped looks in my city very much require tiny perky boobs — a lot of times I know if the person standing in front of me has an underwire bra on or more of a festival wear look and I’m not sure what you’d then wear on a date if that’s what you’re picking up chicken tikka in. I’m short, so a bit of a cropped top is more like I want a normal top to have, proportion-wise, so I’m not a hater.

        • Anon

          It’s kind of the opposite for her. She has a thin/athletic frame but large boobs (sorry, she got that from me) and she feels like she has no shape unless her waist is visible.

  7. Anon

    I have sensitive skin. Sometimes I randomly get a flat, red, itchy patch. Like right now, I have one on my ankle. I had one on my forehead last week. It lasts between a few hours to a day or 2. I went to my PCP years ago when this happened, and she just offered to put me on steroids, which seemed like an overreaction. Anyone have tips for a cream or other treatment? I’m icing my ankle, which helps.

    • Anon

      I have that too and a steroid shot is the only thing that clears it up if I’m having a bad flare up. Otherwise I like liquid cortisone for less intense issues.

    • Curious

      Cortisone cream can help in the short term, though I actually prefer ice and find it more effective for my eczema. CeraVe to just generally help with the moisture barrier of your skin.

    • Anonymous

      Steroid cream works best for eczema. I’m doing allergy testing right now to get to the cause so can’t use steroids. Next best thing has been aloe vera gel.

    • Anonymous

      Why aren’t you seeing a dermatologist? They will be able to tell you what it is and provide a more targeted treatment.

        • Anon

          There are also really long waits to see derms in a lot of places , so it’s not a terrible idea to try OTC stuff for fairly minor things. But it’s also not a terrible idea to try your PCP again, especially if you have a different one now or you can tell them that it’s now been an issue for this many years. That’s probably cheaper and easier than seeing a specialist and they can refer you if they really think you need it.

      • Anon

        I commented above about having this and you’d be surprised at what they have no idea about and how steroid treatment is pretty much it besides cortisone cream.

    • Anonymous

      is it eczema? if so, the steroids will help. You can also smother it in aquaphor.

    • Anons

      Hello! Could this be dermatitis? I would watch out for any triggers in the future (substances or stress) – though sometimes it’s unavoidable! One of the best things I have found for OTC psoriasis which is similar is: Coal Tar. It’s incredible at soothing and dampening inflammation skin. You can get it by using T-Sal shampoo as body wash from a drugstore. The soap from Grandpa’s Tar Soap line has changed my skin- helps reduce and even prevent these patches from showing up. You can also find tar slave on Etsy with activated charcoal that is very nice. These can help soothe the itchiness, stop the flakiness, and can be used before optioning the spot. Good luck to you and your patches from another patchy lady!

  8. Traveler

    Was feeling content with myself on having Christmas shopping in-hand when I noticed that the Lego set I bought my 4 year old nephew looked like it’s been partially opened. I opened it the rest of the way and found that the major component he would be excited about (a dinosaur 🦕) is missing. 😞

    Thankfully I bought it locally and discovered it before he did but for the record — People Suck.

    Not looking forward to spending Christmas Eve trying to deal with Walmart customer service. (TOO stormy to go out today)

    • Anon

      My first thought was that whoever did this probably can’t afford Christmas gifts for their kids this year. While I get that this is annoying, it sounds like it’s a minor inconvenience for you in the grand scheme of things so maybe instead of thinking “people suck” you can try to have some empathy for whoever was desperate enough to do this.

      • thanksgiving anxiety

        it’d be easier for everyone if they just stole the whole box next time

        • Traveler

          This is basically where I am at. Given that the box was only partially opened, I’m assuming it was a kid who managed to fish some of the key parts out.

          • Anon

            It’s much easier to sneak away with just the dinosaur than a whole box. C’mon

    • Anon

      Let it go, how much are Lego’s anyway? Pack up what’s there – a four year old won’t know the difference. And you can always send another one later on.

    • Anon

      I am definitely on Team Animals are the Best Part of Lego Sets. You’re totally justified in returning it, I’m sorry.

    • Traveler

      Quick update: Hubby woke up and wanted to drive the 1.5 miles to the store early this morning before roads get worse & busier. Exchange has been made, crisis averted.

      The Dino in question is a 6″ tall TRex in an expensive Jurassic park kit. Star of the show – he would have noticed.

  9. Curious

    Hello from Seattle, where we are covered in ice so bad that all public buses are cancelled. How’s everyone else doing?

    • Vicky Austin

      Brrr! Hope you all are staying warm. Weatherwise we’re okay; just two more hours of work before the holiday pay kicks in. Gonna be a long two hours…

    • Anon

      Oh dear! That very scenario is happening in the holiday book I’m curled up reading today — “Kiss Her Once for Me,” though it’s set in Portland, OR.

      It’s in the single digits at my house today, which is located in an area of the country that does NOT get that cold. Yesterday I got to wrap Christmas presents with the tree lights on while it was snowing! It was the coziest thing ever, and I’ve never experienced that before.

    • Anon

      In the MIdwest and kind of unimpressed by this “storm of the century” that only dropped a couple of inches of snow. It’s extremely cold (minus 10 before windchill) and I understand things being canceled for that reason but the storm itself seems overhyped.

    • anon

      Ugh, I hate dealing with ice! Hope you get to defrost soon.

      Midwest here – subzero wind chills and 40 mph winds. I’m supposed to pick up my Christmas catering order today, but might have to get it tomorrow instead with all the blowing and drifting snow on the roads.

    • Anon

      In buffalo and it’s absolutely horrible. Like a hurricane mixed with a snowstorm.

      • A

        Niagara Falls, Ontario
        About minus 25 degrees Celsius with the wind
        Drifting snow and one of my kids lives in Toronto, we are unsure if he will get home for Christmas

    • anon

      Hello from Atlanta, where it is brutally cold by our standards (was 11 this morning when I landed and had to walk to the car with my toddler, fun!) but at least is completely dry so we’re not dealing with dangerous roads. Worried about our homeless population since our city is bad at services in general and doesn’t deal with this sort of thing frequently.

      • Curious

        Omg brrr. It was 18 here yesterday and I was like, um, I don’t know how to dress for this.

      • ALT

        Waving at you, fellow Atlantan! It is FRIGID outside. Do not like. If it’s going to be so cold, at least we could have snow, right?!

    • Anon

      Rolling blackouts in my part of the south. Also I’m hosting Christmas and slipped on the steps last night and have either badly sprained or broken something in my foot. Waiting on my PCP to squeeze me in today because the local ER is disastrously bad.

        • Anon

          Thank you Curious! PCP got me in and then got me into an orthopedic surgeon. Bummer to have a broken foot for Christmas but grateful to these medical providers.

    • SFAttorney

      Trying to fly to Seattle and our flight was canceled. I didn’t know about the buses. Good thing it is going to warm up later today.

    • JD

      Posting from Southern California. It might hit 80s over the weekend and we’re doing a beach walk after Christmas. Best of luck to everyone else! At least you can make a snowman. I have to go to the Midwest in January and realized I don’t own warm clothing anymore ugh

  10. Anonymous

    I am so exhausted (and feeling tight on finances) after a tough year at a new job, 3 semesters of grad school,Covid (with lingering fatigue that won’t go away), a breakup, an injury that has kept me out of some of my favorite hobbies, and a move. I’m someone who loves a big family holiday which we don’t do anymore for various reasons. The weather sucks and canceled the few fun things I was looking forward to. My parents with whom I’m normally close with and enjoy hanging out with get annoyingly stressed out and cranky at the holidays. I have had 2 exhaustion/stress caused breakdowns in the past week.

    Holidays as an adult just ain’t it…

    Maybe next year we can be a family that goes to Florida for the holidays…

  11. Anon

    I have been battling rosacea and am now on a combination of ivermectin (soolantra), metronidazole, and azelaic acid. I use this at night and need a moisturizer on top, and I wanted to avoid all “actives” in the moisturizer.

    My derm recommended Vanicream moisturizer and it’s so good I decided I needed to recommended it to you all –

    Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer – 3 fl oz – Formulated Without Common Irritants for Those with Sensitive Skin https://a.co/d/ejkf56B

    It’s as good as the $80 drunk elephant I was using before!! It’s nice as a night cream, applied liberally, but I’ve also used a thin layer under makeup and it has worked well. They make a daytime SPF version, which I haven’t tried.

    I usually have very dry skin this time of year and it seems like the vanicream has staved it off.

    • Anon

      +1 to this. I have sensitive oily skin, but also flakiness from seborrheic dermatitis and this really helps. Most moisturizers only irritate my skin and make it worse.

    • anon

      I love Vanicream! My derm recommended it as a body cream when I had an issue with dermatitis. I liked it better than First Aid Beauty and I can buy it locally at Walgreens.

    • Anon8

      I love Vanicream! I get the one with the pump and love how it’s the consistency of elmer’s glue.

      • Anne-on

        +1 – I have the ‘light’ lotion in the bottle with the pump and it’s so good! It’s also super affordable and easily available at CVS/Target/etc.

    • Anon

      The vanicream face wash in a pump bottle is so, so good. Removes all my makeup and is so gentle at the same time. I will try this one now.

  12. Anonymous

    I get a lot of calcium from greek yogurt in the summer, but in the winter it’s too cold — what are your favorite warm things high in calcium? (Any recipes for lattes or whatever?)

    • Anon

      Hot chocolate or steamed milk? Anything milk based will have a lot of calcium, just add sweetener and flavor as desired.

    • Anon

      I don’t know if this works for you but I get a lot of calcium from chewable heartburn pills. Haha sad but true

      • anon

        haha…

        Yes, I actually love the taste of my “creamsicle” TUMS (orange + vanilla).
        I do take one a day for the calcium.

        OP, I would have a “hot vanilla” drink, with skim milk.

    • Anonymous

      I get my calcium from the two lattes I make every day with my Breville Bambino Plus espresso maker. I use Blue Bottle 17-Foot Ceiling beans and 1% milk with one teaspoon of sugar or flavored syrup.

    • Notinstafamous

      In the interests of getting enough calcium, I bought an espresso machine with a milk frother so I can make lattes / steamed milk teas at home.

      I promise, it was all about the heath benefits.

    • Anon

      I put yogurt on waffles or pancakes with fruit compote. The yogurt is cold, but the rest is hot, so it’s warm overall.

    • Anon

      A calcium supplement is fine if you can’t get it in your diet. I hate the taste of milk and yogurt and I can’t eat enough cheese to get the calcium I’d need so I Just take a pill.

    • Anonymous

      yogurt
      I am always surprised by people whose diets change completely by the weather, other than what produce you are using.

        • Cat

          +2, I might mix up the flavors a little (chobani chocolate and orange is my fave winter flavor and I am on the HUNT) but consider yogurt a year-round breakfast.

      • Anon

        Not OP, but I think it depends a lot on the temperature of your house. I live in California, where it will be almost 70 outside today, but our rental has no insulation and barely functional heat, so it’s 63 inside right now. We spend the winter drinking tea and eating soup and other hot meals. Cold food just doesn’t appeal.

        • Anon

          Out here, the outdoor ice cream stands are still open in the snowy New England winters. And I’m not the only one getting my peppermint stick ice cream for the holidays! The cold doesn’t bother everyone.

    • Anne-on

      I buy these. They taste exactly like regular chocolate – get them at Whole Foods, they’re freshest there. I went from fighting my kid who doesn’t like milk/cheese to take a pill to now having to limit him to 1/day.
      https://www.amazon.com/Adora-Gluten-Chocolate-Calcium-Supplement/dp/B00B7V1Y24/ref=asc_df_B00B7V1Y24/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312169186997&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13154553587590730698&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9067609&hvtargid=pla-603377111892&th=1

    • Anonymous

      You can do sardines, broccoli, tinned salmon (fish bones!), pecorino, anchovies, eggs…. Maybe a sardine omelet with broccoli side? Anchovy and parmesan pizza, tinned salmon carbonara pasta?

    • Anon

      Plenty of veg are higher in calcium than dairy products. Try broccoli, kale, bok choy

  13. Anon

    Where can I find “normal” blouses these days? I have literally looked everywhere online. By normal I mean not balloon sleeve, not frilly, not boxy, not cropped. Doesn’t have to be formal button down, but on the casual side of business. Something like utility shirts, most brands “essential” shirts, classic. What Loft used to sell like a solid color in a blousey fabric with maybe a small embellishment or cool shape. I tried ordering from one of the no-name brands on Amazon – save yourself the bother. My tops are all outdated, but I can’t seem to find anything. Also, not fake silk/shiny fabric!
    Where are you shopping for your workhorse basics?

    • Anon

      I wonder if your shirts are outdated because you’re only open to this style, which may not be current?

      I’m not an expert because I don’t like c0llared shirts on myself.

    • Anne-on

      For nice ones, Brooks Brothers or Bloomingdales (Hobbs has good options). I also stalk Jcrew/Jcrew factory – sort by shirts/tops and then ‘blouses’. Same thing at Nordstrom/Bloomingdales – search for ‘blouses’ and they should pop up.

    • Anonymous

      Have you gone to a department-store site like Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, or Dillard’s, and done a search under women’s tops for blouses, maybe filtering for your preferred sleeve length and “wear to work”? You should find lots and lots and lots of options.

    • Anon

      Google “Investments No Iron Women’s Shirt Dillards” for their selection. Those things are indestructible and available in a large range of sizes. For what it’s worth, I tend to have good luck finding what you’re after at Goodwill.

    • Anonymous

      Try Talbots. Don’t be put off by the bright colours. They usually carry the same item in various colours, some of which are only available online. They carry a “perfect shirt” that really is non iron. Their blouses tend to be polyester vs silk, but as long as it’s good quality they work better for me.

  14. A.

    I never do this but here’s a recommendation: I recently bought (on a total whim, to get free shipping for a kids’ outerwear order) the Women’s Lounge Pajama Set Long Sleeve T-shirt and Slim Leg Pants from Lands’ End and they are FAB. Super inexpensive right now too! They’re a thick, quality fabric, a not-frumpy cut, and totally comfy. Highly recommend.

    • Anon

      Oh I ordered those and wrapped them already for my daughter. Happy to hear they’re nice!!

  15. Anonymous

    I’m trying to wear bolder lip color as a graying 45-year-old. I’m finding a problem in that if it’s bright like a magenta or blue red or hot pink then its TOO bold, and if its more muted like a burgundy or a mauve then I look washed out. Is there anything in the middle?!

    • Anonymous

      It sounds as if you have cool-toned skin because the muted colors wash you out. I am pale with cool-toned skin and find that a dramatic berry lipstick looks garish in the bathroom mirror but just right from far away or on camera, so I wear it for larger events or those that will be streamed. For smaller settings I like a bright cool medium pink.

    • Anon

      Hm sounds like a color mismatch. Have you tried something leaning more orangey? Coral, warm red, etc. Maybe you feel washed out because you’re wearing cool toned shades on warm toned skin.

    • Anon

      Try Fete from Glossier in their lipstick line, it’s the perfect red and coverage is sheer.

    • Monday

      Sounds like an occasion for going to Sephora/Ulta/some other beauty store and working with a sales associate to find a few good shades. I did this when I had a super-specific fragrance goal, and it was fun and successful. I think the SAs enjoy going on this kind of hunt for a customer (as long as they’re not slammed with other things to do).

      • OP

        I’ve been meaning to do that for a tinted moisturizer too. I wish I could make an appointment with them for that…

    • Anon

      There are more lipstick shades out there than there are stars in the sky, I think. You can find the right combo of color + formulation, I’m sure of it.

    • Anon

      Go buy in person somewhere there are testers. For hygienic purposes and also because it works better for me, I swatch several possibilities across the back of my hand and check them out in a mirror holding my hand to my face.

    • Anonymous

      Wear the bold one, but use a tissue to smack away the brightest shine. It really makes a difference if it’s not super glossy but slightly worn off looking.

  16. Anon

    Just got a job offer! Some negotiations on financial aspects will be needed, but if all goes well, moving to the Netherlands ina few weeks!

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