ByKat Hours Updated
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Tuesday’s TPS Report: Maggie Ruffle Detail Silk Blouse

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Reiss Maggie Ruffle Detail Silk Blouse | CorporetteI was looking at blazers online recently and saw this gorgeous blouse. The product page absolutely doesn't do justice do it, nor does our little thumbnail (taken from one of the suit pages)– it's a simple, collarless, buttoned silk blouse with ruffled edges. The effect of the ruffles is to give some interesting texture when close up, but also some weight to the placket, so that when it's worn unbuttoned a bit you get an interesting, almost slouchy drape. I also love that the stripes on the ruffles go in a different direction than the stripes on the blouse. Love it. The blouse is $245 at Reiss. Reiss Maggie Ruffle Detail Silk Blouse Here's a blouse with a lower price tag (more sizes here), another lower-priced option, and one that's available in regular and plus sizes. Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-all)

Sales of note for 3/15/25:

  • Nordstrom – Spring sale, up to 50% off
  • Ann Taylor – 40% off everything + free shipping
  • Banana Republic Factory – 40% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – 50% off select styles + extra 50% off sale
  • J.Crew – Extra 30% off women's styles + spring break styles on sale
  • J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything + extra 20% off 3 styles + 50% off clearance
  • M.M.LaFleur – Friends and family sale, 20% off with code; use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 40% off 1 item + 30% off everything else (includes markdowns, already 25% off)

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

162 Comments

  1. This is a cute shirt, but it would look frumptastic on me in a hot minute (and what is it with the face contouring ads — I do not think I need camo for my face???).

    Do you recommend any brands (or mall stores) that sell curvy-cut pants that also have curvy-cut shorts? I find that I need the extra seat room in jeans, but struggle to find similar offerings in cords or (now) shorts. Ann Taylor? Athleta? Lands End? I struck out last year at Gap and have found some that fit my hips but are too low-rise for my taste (add that to my list: curvy cut and mid rise).

    1. I have success with AT and Loft. Generally not my favorite stores, but good deals on shorts and they fit my pear shape well.

    2. Going along with this, how do those of you curvy ladies prevent shorts from riding up? I feel like, no matter what I do or what size I wear, my shorts always try to ride up to my natural waist. Is there any way to avoid this aside from just avoiding shorts? For what it’s worth, I’m in my mid-twenties and prefer shorter shorts (~3″ inseam, not bermudas).

      1. I wear larger size shorts and longer inseams. In my mind 3 inch inseams are for teenagers. 5 or 7 inches for grownups.

        3. I wear Boden’s (sorry) chino shorts with a 4″ inseam, which is just long enough to solve the problem.

        4. disagree. depends on what you’re comfortable in and what looks good on you. 3″-4″ works for me. 5 is kind of an awkward length and 7 looks frumpy (on me)

          1. Right. But if your shorts with a three inch inseam are riding up your vagina they’re neither cute not comfy and a longer inseam is the answer.

          2. But, anonymous, it’s not the inseam on the leg that causes the riding up – it’s generally the crotch being too short or there not being enough ease at the top of the thigh.

        5. Longer shorts don’t help with this, larger shorts do. Just size up a bit and that seems to help.

      2. Surprisingly, for curvy girls shorts, JCrew has some great ones with different lengths and colors.

    6. I just avoid shorts and wear sporty skirts instead. Title Nine has some great options (usually with pockets). They also have skorts which are not my thing, but another option.

      Running shorts are different somehow – the stretch, I suppose. I do wear those.

    1. I was about to post the same thing! I love silk blouses (synthetic blends are not my friend) but I get so sick of dry cleaning all the time.

          1. I don’t even know what the labeling says. There is nothing about silk itself that makes it dry clean only. I have noticed some slight shrinkage, so I bought those shirts a little larger than I might have otherwise, but I think that’s more of an issue of the fabric not being pre-shrunk (aka wet washed) prior to construction.

            Some silks may have a treatment that makes it dry clean only, because wet washing will wash it out.

            But if it comes into my house, I have to be comfortable wet washing it.

      2. Agreed. I was using ghostery which blocked most, but now the block of links still shows up. I get that ads help with revenue, but for a site that is aimed at professionals, I’d prefer something that caters to the intended audience and not another dress for the job you want or Kanye West article. Link me to the economist, not to people.

      3. Apparently the sites I love are Levo League (mostly true) and Black Enterprise (never heard of it).

      4. I keep accidentally clicking links on my phone because they load at a different speed than the rest of the site and cause the screen to move if I’ve already started to scroll. It’s been driving me crazy.

      5. I understand that Kat is making money off this blog but the sites we love feature is really annoying. Kat, maybe put it on the side?

        1. I love the ad’s! Let Kat do her thing and we can do our’s. After all, this IS Kat’s Blog and we are mereley VISITOR’s, or as I learned in Law School, Tenant’s At Will! My dad told me that now that I own my apartement, I am NO LONGER subject to being evicted by a landlord and have DUE PROCESS if I get into any troubel with the Board of Director’s. Dad also said that mabye I should become a Board of Director b/c of my legal skill’s which is VERY coveted. YAY! b/c I went to law school to try and find a guy to MARRY, and now I am thinkeing of becomeing a Board of Director!

          We are nearley all packed up for the move, and now the manageing partner is thinkeing that mabye we should bring my chair. I told him he said we should leeve it for the internet guy’s but he said it had sedimental value to him, b/c it was HIS chair when he first got there back in the 1970’s. No wonder it has so many stain’s on it (and smell’s also–FOOEY!) I begged him NOT to bring it b/c peeople will sit on it and then think they farted when it was the chair. He said he will decide later. FOOEY b/c I do NOT want that chair near me and peeople will say it was MY chair and that I farted into the chair all the time when it was NOT me. DOUBEL FOOEY!

      2. Yes – I usually whitelist a handful of s!tes where I really like the content and I’m willing to put up with the ads because I want the bloggers to get the revenue, but I’m close to blocking this one due to the “s!tes we love” baloney, combined with the Guess ad at the top with the almost naked person and giant Subway ad on the side.

        At least on C-moms, most of the links are to here and pregnant chicken – can you adjust which “s!tes you love”?

      3. I use AdBlock for Chrome and I didn’t think it impacted revenue for the site owner. Ads are usually either pay per click (and I don’t click even if I see them usually) or pay for the space. If the space is paid for, it doesn’t matter if my browser blocks it from my view or not.

  5. Relationship question: Any advice for ways to persuade my SO to see a counselor? I don’t want to do couple’s counseling because I think he needs to see someone on his own. I am also lining up someone to see for myself. He is incredibly resistant and has a lot of excuses (time, money, etc.), but our relationship is in a bad place and he is admittedly very unhappy.

    I keep telling him he needs someone to talk to. I’m not looking for magic words, I’m just looking for some suggestions that may help him feel compelled to do it for himself because he wants to be happy.

    1. If he won’t go by himself, will he go with you? Couples counseling may be the way to get him there in the first place.

      1. +1 There is a good chance the counselor will be able to convince him to then go on his own

    2. Go to couples counseling so you can tell him “our relationship is in a bad place” and have him hear it.

      2. Right, but he won’t go. And you can’t make him. And couples counseling is where you go when your communications fail to communicate.

      3. We went to an Al Anon meeting once. I was having difficulties/our relationship was suffering because of my partner’s issue (not substance related — letting himself be abused by ex-wife). When we went around the room to explain why we were there, I unexpectedly burst into tears explaining how painful it was for me to watch him let this happen to himself. That was a turning point for us because it was a turning point for him to understand the effect it had on me and on us. Worth a try?

    3. Going by yourself is a great start. What you do is really the only thing you can control. Good luck!! :)

    4. Seems like a good time to re-evaluate this relationship. You’re unhappy, he’s unhappy. And he’s unwilling to try to work on it? Does he have other suggestions?

      Why are you working so hard to save this one?

      1. Married with a child. Also, I think he ultimately wants to be a good husband and partner but is overwhelmed by disappointment, regret, perhaps depressed.

        But I think asking about his willingness to work on the relationship or for his other suggestions is good advice because I can’t do it on my own.

    5. start by going by yourself. maybe as you start to feel better he will see that and want to try it himself. but either way you can’t force him to go right now so I would just take one step at a time, start with your own appointments and try not to worry about him yet.

  6. Question about time management (or maybe priorities, or balance?):

    My husband travels for work and is typically gone Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. He gets back late-ish on Thursdays and I enjoy cooking for him that evening and having a quiet meal while we catch up.

    I would ideally like to designate Tuesdays or Wednesdays for social time with friends. I like my alone time, but sometimes it gets a little TOO quiet.

    I recently moved to a small town for work, so my circle of friends in this area are all associated with a new-to-town club. I really like them, and they have lots of events, but those events are almost all on Thursdays. I’ve tried setting up new events on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, but nobody comes unless I move the date to Thursday. Likewise, the local young professionals organization only meets on Thursdays. It’s a small town, and so far I haven’t really found any other options.

    I just feel like my (potential) social life isn’t matching up with the pattern of my week. I don’t HAVE to stay home on Thursdays (my husband won’t complain), but the truth is, I really want to. Is the whole town really at a PTA meeting on Tuesdays? I can’t even find a fitness or yoga class I want to take on Tuesdays (they’re all Monday & Wednesday). I know this isn’t the world’s biggest problem, but does anyone have any thoughts or a different perspective?

    1. Why not have friends over for dinner? You can do a casual dinner and then you can get some interaction. Someone here recommended this for another dinner party, but have guests bring someone “new” to dinner and then you can also meet new people. I’d do a standing invitation (taco tuesdays) on like the first and third M/T or W every month. Easy to make, if people can’t make it, you can freeze the unused portions and break them out in two weeks.

      2. I’d like to, but the problem is, I have already been inviting people over and nobody wants to play. I don’t think I’m being snubbed – I really like these girls and I’ve had success with Thursdays or the occasional Monday or Friday. Just not Tues-Weds.

    2. That means that the tennis courts and driving ranges should be wide open. Maybe make a plan with someone interested in one of those? Or restaurants — you can get in with no reservations!

      If it’s a friendly small town, just go to a restaurant with a book.

      1. True!! Just waiting for the thaw….

        And it is a friendly small town. I love going to a restaurant with a book :) or going to the library and browsing. Still lonely though.

    3. Go out on Thursday! That’s when your friends are going out. You can’t make them do Tuesday, they have repeatedly declined your invitations. Embrace Thursday.

      1. I’m afraid this is the answer. I *know* it is the practical answer. But in reality, when I agree to do things on Thursday, I get to Thursday and I just don’t want to go because I’m feeling all nesty with my sweetheart. That’s why I wondered if this is more of a priorities question than anything else.

    4. It might help if you single out one or two people and invite them to do something (dinner, drinks, movie, etc.) rather than putting out an invitation to a big group.

      1. I agree with this. start with one person and dinner plans or dinner at your house. also maybe scale your expectations to start small? like one Tuesday a month you have plans. when I was feeling a lack of social life I focused on one social activity per month and that way I wasn’t focusing on the 28 days that I didn’t have plans.

        1. I could do that. Or maybe I could apply it to doing one Thursday per month if nothing else works.

    5. A couple of possible reasons why people may be most interested in attending events on Thursdays:

      1. Does a large segment of the population attend church on Wednesday nights?
      2. Do a lot of people have kids? If you have kids, being gone in the evening early in the week can throw the entire rest of the week off. Getting behind on homework, bedtime, etc. is much worse on a Tuesday than on a Thursday. Even if you don’t have kids, going out on Tuesday night can mess up the rest of your week.

      1. 1. No. Where I’m from, that’s very common. But here, there is no midweek church. If there were, that would actually fill the gap for me too.
        2. Yes!! And I was joking about PTA meetings, but I looked them up and they are on Tuesdays. I don’t have kids, and don’t understand why Tuesdays are harder than Thursdays, but can accept that if that’s just how it is.

        1. what about plans that include the kids then? an invite to one family for ‘make your own pizza’ night at your house? or some other way to hang out with your friends with their kids. maybe you just need to reframe your social time from ‘single going out’ to ‘relaxed family time at home’? I had really great friends with a kid and would just hang out at their house for dinner and the kid all the time and then I would do the dishes so it was a win-win!

        2. If their kids are the same ages, its also possible they all are going to swimming lessons/boy scouts/kids martial arts/piano lessons/music class on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. For whatever reason this is how my schedule has shaken out. I don’t know what it is, probably a throwback to college, but going out on Thursday night makes sense to me, while I rarely go out Tuesday or Wednesday.

          If I were you, I’d make my own Tuesday ritual – whether that is going to the gym and using the treadmill, ordering takeout from a restaurant your husband doesn’t like and watching a rom-com on Netflix, wine and bubble bath, whatever floats your boat. Or you could use that time to call your family, or schedule an appointment to catch up with calls or emails from friends from your last town or college.

          I think you are right that it makes sense to plan to go out 1-2 Thursdays a month, and spend the others with your husband. Maybe you could do some shopping and prep for Thursday night dinner on Tuesday or Wednesday so that some Thursdays you could go to happy hour and then just heat through the dinner you prepped when he gets home?

  7. I have a threadjacking question about “nude” pumps…

    I am a redhead with a complexion that would probably be described as “fair” but ultimately I am really just “pale white/translucent”. I bought my first pair of nude pumps online (Corso Como, based on recommendations on this s!te) last week and next to my skin they look very… beige-y. The contrast isn’t offensive but it is stark. Should I keep searching for a patent nude color closer to my skin tone or is beige-on-pale completely normal? Any other redheads with nude heel recommendations? Thank you!

    1. I’m pale too, and I’d say keep looking. They’ll read as being beige, unfortunately. I have better luck looking for super light pink shoes, because they read as more of a true neutral on me than beige. Although I do own a pair of the Karmen pumps from Payless and I think they’re light enough to work as a nuetral on me. But I think any darker than that, they just look weird.

    3. I’m actually a fan of beige-on-pale. It gets across the visual sleekness that you want from the nude-for-you shoes without making you look like you’re actually barefoot.

    4. Why not an ivory or cream or winter white tone? Keep the beige – you never know – and keep looking.

    6. I am a redhead with a very pale skintone, and I love nude heels. I have a pink undertone (most redheads seem to, so maybe you’re in the same boat), and the slightly blush pink/nude heels work as a good nude on me. I will echo the above posters that light pink works well, too. Nine West’s “natural” patent leather is the closest nude I have found for my skin tone, as well. I have beige pumps, as well, that work–but its clearly not “nude.”

      1. And, make sure to stay away from yellow undertones. Lots of “nude” heels have them, and they really seem to clash with my skin.

        1. Yes, avoid yellow undertones. This is why I can’t wear most beige suit jackets. My nude-for-me shoes are light beige -almost a cream color. Also agree with winter white, cream or light pink as substitutes for beige.

    8. I find “blush” shoes better go with my skin-tone, though they don’t really match per se. As Seattle Freeze points out this may be an undertone thing.

      I’d go to a shoe store with a large selection, hold a bunch of different shades to your skin, find one you like, and see what that manufacturer is calling that shade. May make it easier to search online.

  8. I’m thinking about investing in a pair of really awesome shoes. I know that different designers fit differently, so for reference the shoes that are most comfortable for me so far are Cole Haan. I could stick with that brand, but I would like to move up a level or two instead. Any ideas for where I should start before I try some on?

    1. Stuart Weitzman and Manolo Blahnik are, for me, the most comfortable shoes. Even more comfortable than Cole Haan. I can walk around all day (at work, not sightseeing) in 4 in heels by SW or MB.

      I should add that I think fit/comfort is personal, so what may be the most comfortable for me, might not be for someone else, but these two brands fit my foot the best so I think they are always worth the money

    2. My most comfortable designer shoes are Ferragamo and Givenchy. My foot is wider at the front (though not “wide”) and the heel is narrow. I’ve tried lots of other designers but they didn’t work for my feet at all or were surprisingly wobbly for an expensive shoe (I can walk in heels, so it’s not me). I find even low heel Stuart Wietzmans uncomfortable after a few hours but a lot of people who like CH like that brand, so maybe try those out. FWIW, I love some CH shoes but find the brand inconsistent lately.

      1. Ferragamo’s come in close behind SW and MB for me, so that is another good brand to try. I also find my Prada’s to be very comfortable.

    3. Ferragamo and LK Bennett are my go-tos, but it really does depend on your foot. I find Manolos extremely uncomfortable.

    4. I just got some AGLs based on a recommendation from this site and find them extremely comfortable.

  9. I am looking for a spring coat/ rain coat unicorn. Ideally, it will be something non-black, waterproof, with a removable liner (and maybe even removable hood), and something under $300. I like the look of both utility jackets and more classic trenches. Seen anything out there? Thank you!

    1. I bit over your price range, but I have a red Burberry raincoat trench that has a detachable hoot and a removable lining. I got it on sale at Nordstrom for about $580, maybe 5 years ago, but there is a version of it every year. It is the best coat I’ve ever purchased and I get a ton of wear out of it. And tons of compliments. it goes through all seasons except winter (in Chicago, but would work in a milder climate even in winter).

    3. I’m also after something like this – but available in the UK or Germany and about a third of the price! So a totally different search, but I’ll be reading the recommendations.

    4. Check out Boden’s Rainy Day Mac. It does not have a removable liner but hits many of your other points and comes in several cute colors and pattersn.

  10. Question for the hive! Anyone have recommendations for waterproof black leather boots aside from La Canadienne/Aquatalia? I love the look of those brands but my calves are too muscular to fit – I need about 15~16 inches and they only run to about 13~14. (I’ve tried a couple on just in case and could not get the zipper to close…) Similar professional-looking aesthetics would be appreciated – I’m hoping to find boots I can wear to work next winter. Thanks!

    1. Hhhhmmm, that’s disapointing. I just bought some La Canadienne winter boots (suede, shearling lined so not what you are looking for here), online. They fit my 15.5 calves. Barely, but they do fit. I was hoping this was a brand that is going to work for me, but maybe I just got lucky. There are a number of (subtle) stretchy insets in the pair I got, maybe have a look at their online store?

      My other rec is Duo. I haven’t bought from them yet, but you can check the calf circumference on their site, and they also have wide calf versions.

    2. …did I post this before I had coffee this morning? I am looking for the exact same thing.

    3. Have you searched though all of their styles? I love these two brands, and found that there were many different styles and some have narrower and some have wider calves. In the end, I actually called the company and asked them which styles I should try for my measurements. This may also be a purchase you should do in person…. go to a store where you can try on several styles. And/or then order online for a better price

      When I bought my boots from these brands, it actually took me a year or two of trying before I figured out which brands and styles worked for my legs. Zappos may be your friend. I am lazy and these days only order clothing online, so it certainly could have been done more efficiently!

      1. Thanks Carrie! I’ve been following the measurements on Zappos – they seem to be fairly accurate from the couple I’ve tried (thank you free returns!). I wonder what brick-and-mortar stores carry them? I’m located in NYC, and haven’t really seen La Canadienne available anywhere except online.

    1. Well, the declining quality is a pandemic across almost all brands, not just J.crew.

      1. It’s disappointing because J.Crew’s clothes used to be of such a good quality. I have J.Crew sweaters from 2001 that look better than the ones I bought in 2014.

        1. And…that’s why I don’t shop from them in 2014. Their price:quality ratio is way off. I hate that they don’t line their suiting anymore. I hate that items that used to reasonable almost never are. I have a ton of work skirts from them that I got on sale for $40-$50. Now, since their skirts start at ~$120, even when they are on sale, they cost cosiderably more. Not worth it.

          Also, the last few t-shirts I bought there have either gotten holes quickly (slub tees) or the hems have come out. And the last time I bought a cotton pencil skirt, the a$$ seam ripped when I bent over in my office. NOT COOL.

          1. Re: lining–I’m sure cost of adding the lining to the design was the main factor in eliminating lining, but I also wonder if it has to do with poor fabric quality overall. I have a few more recent wool dresses that have shrunk with dry cleaning, and the lining is now longer than the dress. Get rid of the lining, and you eliminate this obvious “tell” that you’ve cheaped out on your wool production!

      2. True – just strange that they wouldn’t attribute declining sales to it, at least in part.

        (Sorry for posting twice – the first one disappeared into the ether, or so I thought.)

    2. I don’t understand why writing about women’s fashion seems to ignore quality as some kind of elephant in the corner. They know its an issue. Why else would they start a new brand called, quite literally, “made well”?

    3. The quality is certainly the main reason I’ve steered away from Jcrew, but I also can’t say that I’ve had to talk myself out of much since Jenna Lyons came aboard. I get that she’s a “fashionista” darling, but IMO she looks like a hot mess 99% of the time. Way too much going on that doesn’t work together.

  13. Is there such a thing as a cute pill organizer/ reminder? I am new to the world of the daily pill and looking for something to replace the sad prescription bottle sitting on my nightstand. I only take one a day, first thing in the morning, but it would be great to have something that not only holds my pills, but lets me know whether I’ve taken that day’s pill already. Any ideas?

    1. There’s an Etsy seller called EdwardianRenaissance selling pill boxes in cute antiquey cases. Might be worth a look? (Based in California)

      1. They make cute pill boxes?! This might change my life.

        My lame solution is to hide all of my pills (and inhalers, etc.) in a nice looking basket, but a cute pill organizer would be so much more fun.

      1. Is it weird that I looked at that and thought “oooh, I wish I took more pills!”? It reminds me of the old stackable eyeshadows I used to have.

    3. Not cute at all, but if you are willing to stick with the prescription bottle and want a reminder about whether you have taken that day’s pill or not, try turning the bottle upside down at night before you go to bed. When you take the pill in the morning, put the bottle back right side up. This usually works for me — except when I forgot to flip it at night.

      1. just off the top of my head you could do something similar with a cute little pill box. Put 7 pills in on Sunday night before you go to bed. If you take one every morning then you can count to see if you’ve taken it or not. I use a little tin from candies that has a pretty picture but I carry it with me bc I take my pills at work with my lunch.

    4. If you can’t find a colorful 7day reminder box, you could at least put it in a colorful case. (Vera Bradley travel pill case, for example).
      I just keep the pill organizer on my counter. No one really sees it.

    6. I have a plain one from target, but the ends do a clicky thing and I like of like clicking them open.

  15. After a really difficult time, I’m trying to start afresh and it all seems daunting. Struggling with fear and anxiety, and also finding it hard to trust people, apart from family, since I feel like so many let me down when I asked for/needed help. Part of the healing process is getting out and being social but it’s so hard when you feel like no one understands what you are going through. For those who have dealt with depression, how do you get back to feeling normal again?

    1. Medication, therapy, and a plan. Just because the worst fog has lifted doesn’t mean your therapists office isn’t the best place to figure out a plan. Which should include absolving people of judgment for letting you down- mental illness is hard. We don’t expect our friends to be physical doctors after all! And start really slow. Get 2 things on the calendar this month. Add a third next month. Let yourself take time- you don’t need to be a social butterfly now or ever if it doesn’t feel right for you.

      1. +1 – I needed medication to really allow therapy to work for me. It cleared the fog and allowed me to really focus on me.

        Also, don’t focus on “normal,” focus on do I feel good today/right now, etc. Even if it’s only for 5 minutes, that’s a step in the right direction.

    2. A support group. I also agree that medication and therapy can be excellent. But for me, I really needed one other person who could actually relate to what I had been through. After my traumatic experience, which NONE of my friends could relate to…. a support group was a breath of fresh air, and the only place I could safely vent. You will be lucky if you can find one in your community, but sometimes online can fill a partial void.

      You have to understand that unfortunately many of your friends will never be able to relate. Some (many?) will drift away, but some may surprise you. You will also learn how to hide your negative feelings around certain “friends” because they will scare them away. I agree that trying to get out and socialize is important. Just be kind to yourself, and realize that it will take time….. and perhaps, a low dose of Lexapro.

      1. Late to this, but you may see it. I’ve been there and to some extent am still coming out of it. I agree with the advice to focus on feeling good now, wherever you are, and to find a support group. If you can find one that’s DBT related, I feel that would definitely be worth a try, but I have had experience with a wide range of support groups and don’t believe the specific group focus is as important as that it’s a group you’ll attend regularly (fits with your schedule, comfortable, etc.) Start a new little comforting ritual that will help soothe you–maybe a spring candle, a new book, a new-to-you park if you like walking outside, a new recipe site if you like to cook. The idea here is that you probably already have found ways to self-soothe, but it can be good to shake things up and try something “new” as simple as that might be, during these seemingly-long periods when you need to be able to have activities that depend only on you (not on someone else’s interest, etc.)

        As far as trusting, getting out, and being social–set inspiring but realistic goals. I found that choosing one Meetup event to go to each week helped me to have something to look forward to and was achievable. If Meetup or similar events seem overwhelming right now, do you have one friend (or even acquaintance) that you could ask to do one thing with you? A walk, coffee, a phone or Skype chat, even running errands. Again, you may already be doing this regularly, but it can help to 1) practice asking someone to spend time with you, 2) Get it on the calendar so you can look forward to it, and 3) Allow yourself to fully enjoy the experience knowing that you achieved a goal. Finally, be gentle with yourself if, for example, you need to lean a little more on family or specific friends than you have in the past. Realize that it will take time to start anew but that you’re worth the effort.

  16. Is there a way to track the price of this blouse? Surely it will come down when other rational people don’t purchase it for full price. I want to be there when it does.

    3. Reiss follows a Euro sale schedule, so it will definitely be on sale in July, if any are left. They don’t discount that often otherwise.

  17. Wedding Question:

    I have found a few wedding dresses that I look fine in and they fit what I need/want for the wedding. Other people like them on me and I think I look fine in them. HOWEVER people keep asking me if “I feel bridal” or if “its the one.” Which I think is silly and its just a dress. But now I am second guessing myself and thinking okay…should I keep looking? Will something out there be better?

    Did you find a dress that you “felt like a bride” in? Or did some of you not experience this weird connection with a dress and just found something that worked and moved on to the next to do on the list?

    1. People are crazy about wedding dresses. It’s just a dress! If you feel beautiful in it that’s all that matters! I took questions like this way too much to heart and searched for like 3 months for the right dress and wallowed in indecision before ultimately just buying the one my parents liked best. And you know what, it was fine! but the other 3 dresses I was considering: also fine! if anything I wish I’d just bought hte cheapest one I liked instead of buying into all this crap.

    2. I think it was a step above what you are feeling but it certaintly wasn’t like “the one” But I put it on, loved it, loved how I looked in it. I didn’t cry beautiful angel tears or anything. But I looked at myself in the mirror and felt like “whoo! this looks good”

      Feeling bridal is a weird term. I don’t think I felt bridal I felt more medievel warrior queen? Which worked for me.

      1. +1. On the rack mine looked like the “weird dress” but it was GREAT on, I looked awesome, it was different enough from all the other dresses that it really felt like me.

    3. If you’re the kind of person who’s been planning her wedding since she was five years old, and wants to feel like a fairy princess in your dress, keep looking. (For the record, you don’t seem like that kind of person.) Otherwise, it’s just a dress. Get one that you can enjoy your wedding in, fits your budget, and makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you’re not going to change for the reception, prioritize the comfort part.

    4. When I found my dress I knew that I really liked it and it fit the feel of our wedding. I don’t even know what “feel like a bride” means. I do have to say that I’ve come to get more excited about my dress as time goes by and the wedding gets closer. I didn’t cry or freak out when I found it but just felt like it fit what I wanted so I went for it.

    5. Oh, I hated that question too. I did love my dress though, but it was really just me and my sister in a dressing room, process of elimination, re-trying the favourites. We tried a few shops but once we went to the bigger store (as opposed to the teeny boutiques) we found the winner in one trip. It was cupcakier than I thought my dress would be but I did love it and it’s basically your one opportunity to wear mountains of lace.

    6. It’s just a dress. I tried on many dresses that I could have gotten married in and been happy. I think there’s too much of the Say Yes to the Dress drama put on wedding dress shopping. If you found a dress you like that comes in at or under budget, that’s perfect.

    7. My dress was the second one I tried on–I loved it and still do! If a decision is easy, just go with it! Few are in the wedding process!

    8. There were a few contenders I liked about equally well, so I bought the cheapest. Ha! I don’t think any dress was ever going to be “the one” for me.

    9. I had pretty specific tastes (lace, not bright white, no bling, no cupcake, reasonably light so I don’t suffocate in June) so I tried on those at a store, selected ones I would wear, then picked the cheapest one. I loved it, my husband loved it, and I didn’t regret it. I’m not sentimental or indecisive though….. You don’t seem to be either. I never had some special moment, it was just normal shopping with more money involved.

    10. So, I would interpret “feeling bridal” as “feeling like I look like the most fabulous version of myself.” “Bridal” is thoroughly subjective anyways — everyone has different priorities and a different idea of what “bridal” is. I mean, historically your wedding outfit was just your “best clothes” and not a particular style/color of dress. My priorities were 1) the dress is flattering and I look great in it at exactly my current body weight; 2) it’s comfortable and I can wear a normal bra; and 3) it’s not expensive. I actually started out looking at white princess dresses and ended up with a navy sequin evening gown. I did have the “this is my dress” feeling with the navy dress, but that was because it so thoroughly checked all three of my important boxes.

    11. Some clothes we feel emotional about and some we don’t. It’s perfectly ok if a wedding dress isn’t one of those things, especially if you don’t normally have an emotional reaction to clothes.

    12. I did not “feel bridal” or even feel that great about any dress I tried on. This may not be you, but none of the sample sizes were anywhere close to fitting me because I was between the small and large samples and am very short. I am also not good at envisioning what something will look like after alterations. I finally chose a dress that could be made to my measurements instead of dramatically altered, but I still had no idea how it would turn out and didn’t feel anything when wearing the sample in the store. I did start feeling much more excited at the fittings since that was when the dress actually fit me and I could envision myself in it. I probably didn’t “feel bridal” until my hair and makeup was done (and I was still in shorts and a button-down top).

    13. No angels singing or tears. Sort of an arbitrary decision between the two I liked best. A little bit of feeling like, did I pick the right one? But ultimately, was happy with it, and now after having created such wonderful memories in it I am much more emotionally attached to it. Really the dress should be secondary to you and your partner and the celebration. I mean, do you want to “feel bridal”? If you do, the getting ready and makeup and veil and flowers and all that also contribute to the feeling. If you haven’t really thought about it much apart from thinking it’s something you’re supposed to feel, I wouldn’t worry about it.

  18. I could use some hive love. At my annual physical yesterday, the doc found a lump. I know it’s probably nothing but am going nuts waiting for next week’s mammogram.

    1. Sending hive love to you! Waiting for this stuff is so hard!!! Please report back after the mammogram!

    2. Hugs! Sending positive thoughts your way. I know it’s easier said than done, but try to keep your mind off of it and treat yourself to something.

    6. My mother had a lump, and it turned out to be breast cancer. Two years later it was like it never happened. Even if you get bad news next week remember that treatment these days is very, very good.

      1. And, honestly, in most cases it’s absolutely nothing. Hugs to you and let us know how it goes.

  19. I’m trying to embrace my role as an aunt and would like to get my nieces and nephews a little easter baskets. Ages 1-4 and no candy (but food ok). Suggestions?

    1. Annie’s cheddar bunnies, bunny ears, stuffed chicks and bunnies, egg-shaped chalk, an easy seed-starting kit (for the 4-year old), depending on how religious your family is, books about the Easter story, the Runaway bunny book, the Peter Rabbit books, sticker sheets, carrot cake muffins (sweets, but not candy, so maybe ok?), natural fruit roll-ups, gardening tools, fun egg-dying kits.

      1. Bouncy, fuzzy, or light-inside balls in bright colors (not small enough to fit in a toddler’s mouth – size of a tennis ball is great), mini coloring books with Easter themes, hot wheel’s cars, bubbles, seed packets, blow-up beach balls (uninflated), chalk…. Putting it in a basket makes it “Easter,” really. As a parent of three young ones, please do pay attention to small parts, and don’t overdo it, especially if you know grandparents/other family will be sending stuff. 3-4 things that won’t break immediately or are consumable are much better than 10 cute little plastic figurines….

    2. Art supplies, bubbles, out door toys, maybe a little gardening kit for the 4 year old (we got something one year that grew flowers in a little bunny container.) books, fruit leather. I would stay away from stuffed animals–we seems to get so many stuffed bunnies! They are cute, but after a while you can only store and play with so many.

    3. If you live relatively close by, how about scheduling an egg-decorating session or two? Kids love it when adults do activities with them. Dunk a few hard-boiled eggs in food coloring. Talk about what happens when you mix red and blue, or blue and yellow. You can also give them stiff paper, folded in half, and ask them to draw or scribble or just drag the crayon over the front to make Easter cards for other family members.It doesn’t have to look like Martha Stewart–people will be thrilled to have anything handmade by a child or grandchild!

  20. I just found out I didn’t get a job I interviewed for, that I really thought I aced. Apparently I wasn’t chatty enough?? They were really looking for personality – but I was SO chatty because I knew that. I hate my biglaw job and I want out so bad, and this was exactly what I want to do. I’m trying not to cry at my desk but I just…. I can’t be here anymore. I need out.

      1. FYI, there is an exhibit at the Dreihaus museum in Chicago that features a lot of Moonstone jewelry!

        1. I love that museum! I haven’t been there for the new exhibit, so thanks for the reminder.

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