Frugal Friday’s Workwear Report: Ruched Short-Sleeve Midi Dress
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.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
While the big Anniversary Sale is happening at Nordstrom, I always like to take a little stroll over to Nordstrom Rack to see if there are any good deals to be found. This short-sleeved dress from Maggy London looks like it would be a great basic for someone just starting out or someone looking to fill a gap in their wardrobe.
The short sleeves will still fit nicely under a blazer, and the ruching at the side gives it a little something special. I’m always going to gravitate toward a perfect black dress, but if you’re looking for color, this one also comes in hot pink, “spectra green,” and navy.
The dress is $27.48-$59.97 at Nordstrom Rack and comes in sizes 0-18.
Sales of note for 7/8/25:
- Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale has started for all cardholders — stay tuned for our roundup!
- Amazon Prime Day! I just finished our full roundup — check out deals on hair tools from Shark and Dyson, leather jackets from All Saints, classic makeup like Black Honey, as well as deals from Lo & Sons, Rothy's, Theory (love this lady jacket), Levi's, Kate Spade (love these shoes, this tote, and lots of tech gear), Club Monaco, and Gap — full roundup here
- Ann Taylor – Semiannual sale, 30% off your purchase and extra 50% off sale styles
- Athleta – Last Chance Semi-Annual Sale – Up to 70% off + Extra 30% Off (cute gym bag!)
- Banana Republic Factory – July Fourth Event, 50-70% off everything + extra 25% off
- Boden – Final call sale, up to 60% off + extra 10%
- Eloquii – Flash sale, extra 60% off all sale
- J.Crew – End of season sale, up to extra 70% off sale styles with code
- J.Crew Factory – All-Star Sale, 40-70% off entire site and storewide and extra 60% off clearance
- M.M.LaFleur – Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
- Rothy's – Up to 50% off seasonal faves, plus new penny loafers and slingbacks
- Spanx – End of season sale, get an extra 30% off sale styles
- Talbots – 40% off your entire purchase, + free shipping on $150+
Will there be a post on the moms page today?
It’s 9:10. Chill.
Sorry about your hangover!
Weird comeback. Maybe chill harder.
It was kinda funny, you’ve gotta admit that. Gave me a chuckle on this Friday morning.
Oh look chilling for a few minutes worked and there is one now
This is precisely why people post over there and not here.
Good.
Yup. Pls don’t bring your mom anxiety here!
Ah yes, folks here are famously free from anxiety!
If you think this side is free from people with major anxiety disorders, we must be reading different comments!
Hunting for 3/4 sleeve blazers, with at least 1 if not 2 real / functioning pocket(s) large enough to hold a cell phone, in a cropped or maximum hip length, that is not hugely boxy (lady jacket ok but prefer more fitted), that is available in a size 0 for my college age daughter. She needs to wear blazers that close in the front (prefer multiple buttons not just one) with black or navy pants for her fall internship, and she hates the feeling of fabric near her wrists. Her birthday is coming up and I know she is having a hard time on prime day sale because most do not come in her size, only have one button, or are extremely boxy and she feels like a kid. I gave her a few of my old ones from ancient Express, The Limited, and BR, probably 00s-era but I would like to give her some new options as she has to wear a blazer 4 days/week! Any fabric ok, prefer solids or small patterns over anything crazy.
She will have a larger set of options if she is open to cuffing the sleeves. And if she has trouser pockets that can accommodate her phone. Cropped length with full size pockets is a hard combo…
She is college age. She has a lot of requirements. Let her search for herself, including on ebay and Poshmark, to find something that fits her specs. If she cannot find something that suits all of her list, she will choose something that fits that job requirements and let her preferences go.
Seriously. I don’t think my mom shopped for me past the age of 16.
Mom’s just asking for recs. That’s ok.
Honestly it’s not okay though. It’s a clear sign of the absurd helicopter parenting that is having negative consequences for us all. Millenial parents need a serious reality check.
Oh yeah, a parent looking for help shopping for a BIRTHDAY PRESENT for their adult child is just a terrible, terrible parent.
I’m 34 and my mom still shops for me. I hate clothes shopping, LOL.
do none of you ever want to help a child, spouse, or family member just because you love them and want to? I swear some posters on here wish they were fish that laid eggs on a nice looking rock and moved on.
100% – the reaction to helping people is crazy. OP, Quince is knocking off Rag and Bone’s standup collar blazer that has almost everything but the short sleeves. Might be worth a look. I normally hate that line for myself but would wear the heck out of it with a college budget.
You have my sympathy. My daughter is very slim with a 22” waist and is 5’6”. Uniqlo and Primark have been the two places with some options. She is a XXS in Uniqlo and 0 in Primark. Both have blazers.
I’m always struggling to find clothing for her. It’s lululemon and Fabletics in rotation most of the time.
Fwiw it’s probably easiest to hem blazers that fit your other requirements to bracelet length than to have that be your dealbreaker. I have weirdly long arms and hem 95% of my dresse sleeves and blazers to bracelet length to make it look more intentional vs. ‘I’m wearing my HS blazer’.
I also hate fabric near my wrists and prefer 3/4 sleeve blazers. She might have to give up the pocket requirement though – I don’t think I’ve seen pockets on a blazer (at least the ones I wear) that are big enough to hold a phone. These don’t have buttons, but I love the Kasper 3/4 sleeve jackets. You could also try Anne Klein.
The JCrew Going Out Blazer’s sleeves are more bracelet length. 3-4 sleeves are going to read more casual, which doesn’t sound like the environment she’ll be working in.
Also I feel that the ones I own do not actually close in the front
Oh that’s true. I have two that have a hook-and-eye closure (older model) and one that doesn’t (newer) but that would be an easy job for a tailor or DIY if the fit is right.
Work burnout is starting to creep in so I’m trying to schedule some things to look forward to. What’s on your calendar, short term or long term, that you’re looking forward to?
Acadia National Park, Maine in one week!
A local theatre performance this Saturday.
Posted below about an upcoming trip to Chicago, I’m also going to Maine in August. Also a bit burnt out and feel a bit better now that I have trips scheduled. I hate using travel as an escape, but right now I’m in an unfixable work situation so travel is one of the few healthy outlets I have. I’m thinking about Europe or going out west in October, maybe another New England trip in November. Sorry you’re dealing with burnout too.
Like others, trips are what keep me doing in times of burnout (and I’m right there with you). We have a trip to Scotland in August that I’m presently living for, as well as a long weekend next weekend to see some family in the Hudson Valley, and a long weekend in September to see some friends and visit a favorite restuarant.
Chinese takeout for dinner, going to my favorite bookstore this weekend, new clothes coming in the mail, girls trip at the end of the month.
I’ve done my big summer travel already, so I’m trying to look forward to little things:
Contra dancing with my family!
Decided that I’m going to try to make Japanese milk bread.
My 13 year old swimming in swim team divisionals in a few weeks
Then being done with summer swim team season so that the 13 year old and I can go back to watching New Girl together.
I use the King Arthur Flour recipe for Japanese milk bread and it turns out great!
I love my family but I need to see and talk to other adult women. Like once a week. Go for a walk or to lunch or for coffee with a friend or someone who you’d like to be friends with. Just hearing about what other people have going on gets me out of my head and makes my work and life seem less stressful.
Yin yoga has been a good reset for me. I joined a new studio and they also have lunar meditations which I’ve enjoyed.
I have four things I’m looking forward to that are carrying me through a very hard time.
– A brief visit with my sister
– A family reunion for just the women from 3 generations
– I’m taking my teenage niece for a few days later this month to do NYC things and generally spoil her
– We have tickets to see Waiting for Godot in October with Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter (the original Bill & Ted)
Short term: Dinner tonight with friends we haven’t seen in a while.
Longer term: We are taking a road trip next month up to Oregon, stopping in a few fun places. Will stay with friends in their house in Sunriver for a few days, then stop off at the Ashland Shakespeare Festival on the way home and see some shows. My daughter and a friend of hers will meet us there.
In September a good friend and her husband and coming to stay with us for a few days and that will be great, too.
Sharing some good news this am: I finally hit a retirement savings milestone! My retirement accounts now equal 5x my salary. I’m 49 and had a goal to hit this benchmark by 50. have just shy of 20 years in state gov and while my pension is not grand, it will be a nice supplement of guaranteed income. I finally feel like a decent retirement is attainable for me, and if I had to change jobs it wouldn’t compromise my retirement plans.
When I was starting out, my salary was so paltry that I could barely afford to save 3% of my salary. I made a deal with myself that I would add 1% of salary a year, more if I got a raise. It took several years before I was saving the full amount possible but that’s what worked for me. Compound interest has had time to work its magic, too.
Congratulations! That’s fantastic! I hope you feel really proud of yourself and the sacrifices and forethought required along the way.
Congratulations! I am also in state government and know that the struggle on salary can be real, combined with the negativity of the many who want to bash “freeloading” government employees. You should feel great about setting and achieving your financial goals. Brava!
clap clap clap
Excellent!
You’re now financially independent. (You were at 4x expenses). You could retire now. Congrats!
Huh? Can you explain that math please?
Yes, I would love to know how to pay for my own insurance for the next 16 years until Medicare on this budget.
But also sincerest congratulations to the OP. The future looks bright.
I think it’s 25x expenses (for the classic 4% withdrawal)
I don’t think that’s true? I can’t touch this money for many more years without penalty since it’s in retirement accounts.
But, helpful to reframe in terms of expenses. I just recalculated and I’m at 8x expenses. But the goal is to have the house paid off and the kid out of the house, so I’m currently at 12x expenses if I subtract out mortgage (PI only) and tuition.
Lol OP is doing great but this is not FIRE. That’s 25x annual expenses.
+1
Doing great OP! Thanks for sharing.
Congrats!! That’s really exciting.
Hooray! You are doing great!
Congratulations!
Woohoo! Congrats!
Congratulations!
Help me out. I have 8 weeks until my daughter’s wedding, and I want my skin to be in the best shape of my life. Looking for recs on either a line of skin care, or a trusted resource that can say: in the morning use these products, in this order, and at night, use these products in this order. This is sotmething I can throw some money at. I feel like Sephora is very hit or miss; even the department store folks seem to push whatever line has a promotion, and I don’t have time to get into a derm. I am starting from an okay place, but just want to take it up a bit. I already eat pretty clean and drink lots of water so am working on the inside – help me out with what to do on the outside!
What are you trying to fix with your skincare routine? Without any other info, moisturizer, sunscreen, some sort of gentle anti aging, and zero alcohol is going to have the greatest impact! Zero. Alcohol.
Great question – I have the usual skin care concerns for someone my age (60’s) – wrinkles, etc (but not willing to go the filler or botox route). I would say I would like it to be bright and clear.
Sunscreen, retinol. Those are the only things that really work. Drink water and get a lot of sleep.
Then I would do something like this:
Cetaphil cleanse morning and night
AM lotion
AM sunscreen
PM
LaNeige Cica sleeping mask
With 8 weeks to go I wouldn’t mess around with retinol since it can take a while to adjust to it.
I think an aesthetician can do this for you.
(Don’t listen to the people who are saying that only retinol and sunscreen works; have they never heard of exfoliation?)
I will be totally honest with you: 8 weeks is a short timeframe for this goal. Are there particular problem/issues you aim to resolve? Some are quicker to address than others.
Typical aging concerns. It feels dull and congested – would like it to be clear and bright – even glowy. Am thinking about all the pictures that day!
Fortunately the makeup artist will make you look even and bright and glowy! Just give her skin that has had 8 weeks of lotion and sunscreen and she will be good
Go get Botox. That’s the answer. Everything else is hope in a jar. You have time to do that, it takes about 3-5/days to kick in.
I would get a Halo or Moxi laser treatment on face, neck, and maybe chest. Im only 45 and the results of my first Moxi laser were noticeable within 2 weeks and kept improving.
Call your dermatologist about this.
Face yoga? Go to youtube.
I think the bigger concern is that 8 weeks isn’t a lot of time to see how your skin will react (and recover if it causes irritation). This is pretty late in the game to introduce new products or treatments. If you’ve gotten a specific facial before then you could do it closer to the wedding. But the safest route is to drink tons of water, avoid alcohol, wear sunscreen, and get enough sleep.
I would go to a local esthetician. They may be able to recommend a routine. Maybe a facial.
At 8 weeks out, I would either 1) get a hydrafacial 2) start using a (not too harsh!) face mask.
I like this one from Herbivore. They suggest you use every other day for the first seven days, then 2-3x a week. It makes my face super soft and clear. https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/products/blue-tansy-mask
Grace Atwood has good skincare recs. I’ve seen her recommend the Tata Harper resurfacing mask a lot. This is her blog: https://thestripe.com/category/beauty/skincare/
Go to the grocery store and get one of those big bottles of the Naked fruit juices (I think mango is the best for this). Drink a glass a day. Your skin will *glow.*
No. That is nonsense. Eating more fruits and vegetables certainly makes a difference in overall health, but drinking extra juice for 8 weeks won’t do a thing to make skin “glow”. Naked juice can have 50+ grams of sugar in a bottle and drinking juice removes some of the benefits of eating whole fruits and vegetables (like fiber and satiety).
i think i’ve been living in my crunchy bubble too long bc i gasped at this suggestion
It works for me. Sorry you’re scared of fruit!
Juice isn’t synonymous with fruit.
The product that has made the biggest difference in decongesting my skin but not overdoing anything is the Dr. Brandt Peel Pads. It says you can use daily, but I think that would be excessive. A couple times a week is enough. It works pretty quickly.
I would do Botox (not fillers) and a facial. Nothing else in your routine makes a difference in 8 weeks. Or even a noticeable difference at all.
Facials and botox.
Ok I love this! Congratulations!
Id probably look into a laser and injections BUT if you’re just into skincare here are some ideas:
1. Dr idress has a glycolic mask that worked instantly for me. Stings a bit but makes skin super glowy and more even, I’d recommend it.
2. Dr. Dennis gross alpha beta peel pads+ a sheet mask before bed. Any old moisturizing sheet mask works. Don’t use this same day or the next day after the glycolic mask.
3. It’s really really important that you use sunscreen. You’re going to be more prone to burning when we’re peeling off skin here. Also you’ll undo all your progress if you get color.
4. Ce ferulic by skin ceuticals is great for under your moisturizer and sunscreen. There are cheaper similar serums but I don’t find they work as well. Brightens.
5. It’s woo woo and I think Botox is better bang the buck but I love my red light mask. I’d consider if if you’re interested and really have the money to spend.
6. Not skincare but my skin looks better when my teeth are whiter. Luminex pens work great.
7. I also like a hydraulic acid for under your moisturizer and sunscreen. Think of it as a boost of moisture.
What is the Dr. Idriss product?
Just looked it up: Major fade flash mask.
I was socially influenced but meh on her other products.
Thank you.
Thank you! Follow up: if you use a hydralonic acid under moisturizer and sunscreen -do you also use the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic? If so, does the order matter?
I’m not a skin care professional. Huge caveat. But I just use it any time I use the moisturizer. It’s just a boost of pluming moisture. So yes. The ce right on my face then ha then moisturizer then sunscreen in the am. In the pm, ha just before my moisturizer.
also not a skin care professional but my understanding is that you can’t use acids with retinol and shoudln’t with sunscreen (or VitC) either. you should pick some nights for retinol, some nights for acids, and some nights for nothing (“sloughing”).
I think this is overall a good list, but wouldn’t introduce both the glycolic mask, the peel pads, and the vitamin C at the same time, even alternating them. If you’re not using actives routinely, they could disrupt your skin barrier and cause flakiness, dullness, or even acne, that won’t recover in 8 weeks. I would pick a single exfoliant and maybe the vitamin C.
I know you said your derm is booked up, but have you told them you’re interested in having a cosmetic procedure, likely a laser, rather than a regular consultation (if you’re open to laser, that is). They may reserve spots for paid procedures.
What red light mask do you use?
I have the Dennis gross one. I swear I dont work for them! It was a Christmas present from my mom.
i would do a hanacure mask for tightening and maybe some of those chin support masks. i also have some Gold Bond “neck firming” lotion that i like at night.
i would be wary of new products to be honest. if you aren’t using an acid add that to your routine (i like drunk elephant baby facial for a 20 min mask but I just read you can combine Sunday Riley and Paula’s 2% bha also). be religious about your retinol and sunscreen. wear hats.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Skincare can take a long time. Maybe a Dr. Jart mask, but if your skin is good, then don’t make a big change before a big event. You could be recovering from a skin reaction or have no difference. If you really want to do something, consider a micro needling in a doctor’s office, but I would make any changes after 1 month out.
Meant would *not* make any changes after 1 month out.
I don’t know; I think this is way too much caution for something as simple as as hyaluronic acid serum or a gentle exfoliant, and I have rosacea prone skin with a very long list of things my skin can’t handle at all.
I have been in occupational therapy (hand therapy, specifically) since March (I was in a bad car accident- but that is a story for another day). I should be cleared in a few weeks and I would like to bring the therapist something as a “thank you” for all of his help and expertise during a really tough time. Any ideas? He is in his late 50s. I know he likes coffee!
A nice thank you card, and express your appreciation. And then a gift card to the local place where the therapists run to to get their afternoon coffee break.
Agree with a thank you note, if you wish to do more. I am firmly a person who believes “that’s what the money is for” and we’ve gone overboard on gifting/tipping. Don’t set a precedent that everyone needs to bring mini-muffins for their delivery nurses, or ear plugs and snacks for people on your row of a plane. Ugh.
OP here- Certainly not a believer in going overboard, but I would like to give a nice gesture to someone who helped me use my hand again and kept my spirits up when I wasn’t sure I could get the functionality of my dominant hand back :)
There is nothing wrong with giving a gift of appreciation. This board is filled with party poopers. I’d get a mug and gourmet beans and a gift card to the local coffee shop.
I think a Starbucks gift card and a thank you card would be much appreciated! And congrats on your recovery OP!
That’s so thoughtful! Congrats on your recovery! Your idea of coffee card sounds great, but keep in mind his professional ethics board may prohibit a solely individual gift. So, consider getting something for the whole therapy team to enjoy. Then, it is equally available to all and less likely to have to be refused.
Regarding ethics concerns, I’ve done donations in the health care professional’s name to a relevant medical charity, with a card of appreciation.
Late to this thread, but last summer my 85-y-o mom fell and broke her hip (not very badly, fortunately) and her wrist. She was in a very good rehab hospital for a couple of weeks and as soon as she was home or could stand in the kitchen long enough – still with a cast on her wrist – she made a giant batch of chocolate chip cookies and took some to the nurses’ station and some to the PT and OT team. Everybody loved her when she was there – she’s a sweetheart – but then they REALLY loved her when she brought the cookies in.
I’m on the market for an outdoor dining set–just moved from a condo to a house! What’s the best kind of table legs if you want to squeeze in extra guests or have tall guests? Parsons? Trestle? We’re a family of four with two little kids, and we frequently have grandparents over. We’ll get a six-top, but I bet we’ll frequently pull up extra chairs. I’m looking at Polywood sets, if you have any opinions on the brand!
I recommend you get a 8 top table and actually check the dimensions of the tables. The area is different by model. I got the biggest table top area I could find because when hosting with a 6 top I found that I just didn’t have enough room for all the serving containers and drink, etc. even when it was just 6 people.
We’ve been very happy with a Polywood trestle set for exactly this kind of flexible use.
I would also think about getting narrower chairs, or maybe a bench for one side that can hold several small fry. Our dining room table is huge, but our chairs are also wide. It’s comfy, and no one is crowded, but if we had narrower chairs, we could squeeze in at least 2 more of them.
I’m going to Chicago, any recommendations? I have my hotel booked, staying in the Gold Coast, this is a solo trip. So far I’m doing some of the obvious stuff: architecture tour(s), Art Institute, Field Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Surgical Science, Lincoln Park Zoo, various parks. Any food recommendations? I have Purple Pig and Bar Mar on my list so far.
Don’t forget some time to just chill! Like, get a bikeshare and ride around Millennium Park, have a swimsuit on under your shorts and enjoy the lake for a bit, etc.
I took the subway to Oak Park and did a walking Frank Lloyd Wright tour that was fantastic.
Another thing to do in Oak Park is visit Ernest Hemingway’s childhood home.
Eat Polish food. Flip channels on your hotel TV to see if there are still weird local-access channels entirely in Polish.
Pretend you are Ferris Bueller and listen to Twist and Shout while walking downtown.
There are a lot of guides online for DIY walking tours of public art, and that has always been one of my favorite things to do in Chicago. There are some really cool pieces in random places.
Bavette’s if you can get a seat!
both a bit outside of Chicago proper but we enjoyed both a few years ago, and IIRC we did both in a single afternoon: the garfield conservatory (we were there in november, though, it might be horribly hot in summer — but the outside gardens would be open) and the baha’i temple in wilmette, which is a beautiful little town if you like zillow dreaming. even my non-religious husband who is suspcious of all religious found it to be a beautiful, calming, almost meditative experience. we just explored on our own.
Trying to find little ways to treat myself throughout the day and want to find a hand soap that I love. Something in between the Mrs Meyers I’ve been buying at Target forever, and the Le Labo that is on sale (!) for $50. Anything you use, and love? Subtle fragrance, but just provides a tiny little moment in the middle of a humdrum day? Something that if a guest uses, they say “where did you get that amazing hand soap?”. If you have one you love, please share!
Soapbox – Coconut Milk & Sandalwood scent is my fav. Can be found easily. Washes well too!
L’Occitane
Nest soaps are lovely, light scented and natural
No specific rec, but this is something I like to pick up either on vacation, or browsing a store in a cute neighborhood. Then, every time I was my hands (or use the thing that I picked up), it activates the memory of that relaxing moment.
I like everything I’ve gotten from Baudelaire. The soaps are hard milled, so although small they last a while.
The bathrooms at this hedge fund office I visit occasionally for work (nonprofit board chair is a partner) have fantastic hand soap, which I THINK was from Molton Brown. Sadly I haven’t been there in a while. They would get the best snacks for meetings too.
I discovered Molton Brown on a cruise and that’s what we use at home now. They have sales pretty regularly and you can also buy refills for their popoular fragrances of hand soap. I love the orange bergamot scent.
See if Williams-Sonoma has something that looks good to you.
If you have your own pretty soap dispenser, Whole Foods 365 is a step up from Mrs Meyers in terms of scent, but the discount store brand packaging undercuts it.
I love this Bossa liquid soap from Granado Rio de Janeiro (https://www.granado.us/usa/bossa-liquid-soap-300ml-1?queryID=67d5bd60f578926be222673414fa9c87&objectID=5827&indexName=prd_usa_products)
I’ve been meaning to try Element Brooklyn, that does refill dupes of the fancy soaps.
The Marseille hand soap is really good (my fave is bergamot). If I’m going to spend money on a treat, I buy Floris. Neiman Marcus also sells them, but their link is here: https://us.florislondon.com/collections/hand-care
I like this dress! Anyone familiar with it? Is it pooch friendly? I feel like ruching is either very flattering or makes me look pregnant.
Can anyone recommend a good shampoo for colored hair that’s not too pricey? And also a good frizz control product that’s not a spray but more like a serum or mousse and not too strongly scented after it dries? I have medium length fine wavy hair that lifts up in humid weather.
When I colored my hair, I liked the Loreal EverPure line.
I have similar hair and for mousse, I use L’oreal Boost it volume inject. I don’t notice its scent.
When I highlighted it I used Clairol Shimmerlights purple shampoo to keep brassiness at bay.
i thought any shampoo that is curly-girl friendly is also good for colored hair because they lack the sulfates and other things. trader joe’s tea tree oil is a good one.
if you dye your hair blond or have highlights maybe look into purple shampoo.
L’Oréal or Dove Bond Repair. Totally game changer and so affordable! I get the shampoo & conditioner. And if I’m going to use regular shampoo then I use the Dove Bond Repair hair mask. Save your money!
color treated
Does anyone have the Cinq a Sept Khloe blazer? It’s following me around IG, and looks like useful piece (although I do note that it looks a bit wrinkly in some pics). I’m looking to upgrade my wardrobe in advance of starting a new job (hopefully!) soon. Any thoughts on this brand in general?
I have yet to bite the bullet but generally speaking it is one of the only brands that I see and think “wow that’s pretty/cute/attractive.” Mostly I walk through stores thinking “that looks like a nightgown/ why would i want this in my life?”
I like the look, but I tried it on and it veered shapeless on my curvier torso – I was all hip. Best for straight figures I think.
I have a straight figure and find it flattering, so that makes sense.
The fabric and construction are pretty cheap, but it’s long enough to be current without making me look like I’m playing dress-up with a gigantic suit jacket from my grandfather’s attic. The lightweight fabric and scrunched sleeves make it comfortable for summer. It’s worth having, but not at full price. It’s usually included in promo codes at places like Saks and Bloomie’s.
Beware of the bright colors. I bought a hot pink one that transferred dye to my t-shirt and pants and ruined them. I haven’t had trouble with the black or the pastels.
I have it in multiple colors. Most of the non-traditional fabrics will go on sale so I would encourage you to stalk it. I am 5’8″, lift a lot and find the blazer is one of the few where the arms aren’t too snug.
I have one of their other jackets that I really like. I have found they run really big so size down.
I LOVE mine. I have it in the crepe fabric and have considered other colors on poshmark. I didn’t like it as much in the tweed, it was too bulky. In the crepe fabric it is an amazing summer blazer because it is very light. I’m 5’1″ and it doesn’t look horribly too large on me in my regular size, which is something that longer blazers sometimes do. I highly recommend it.
Following up on the discussion earlier this week about following the news, or not, I really like what Andy Borowitz said in his newsletter today:
“We’re all faced with a tricky choice. If we bury our heads in the sand, the dictatorship wins. But if we’re in a constant state of panic, it also wins. It’s hard to mount an effective resistance if your hair’s on fire 24/7.
Maybe we should reframe the choice.
Well-informed concern and vigilance that lead to action? Good. Relentless doomscrolling and freakouts that induce catatonia? Bad.
Now, I’m not here to dispense New Age wisdom. (Full disclosure: I did live in California for 15 years.) But worrying nonstop about politics isn’t just bad for the resistance. It’s bad for your health.
When times are this dark, we need to find moments of light.
Last November, I interviewed my friend Susie Essman, the brilliant comedian many of you know from “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She offered some advice that has stayed with me: focus on the small things in life that give you happiness.
Or, as she memorably put it, “The macro is fucked. We gotta go micro.”
Put that on a T-shirt.”
Chicago people – I am traveling there and plan to take the blue line to and from the airport (I previously posted about traveling with my teen to visit schools). It sounds like a lot of the blue line stops in or near the loop are sketchy. Can you recommend one that is relatively non-sketchy and I will figure out a hotel in walking or uber distance? As you can probably discern, we don’t live in a major city so we are nervous around public transportation. Thank you so much.
Depends what time you’re coming in. If you’re coming in M-F from like 8am-5:30pm none of the stops are going to be an issue. It’s coming in late at night into the loop that can be weird because the loop is empty at night.
Clark/Lake, Washington, Monroe, and Jackson are the Blue Line stops in the Loop. Lots of people use these to get to/from their offices in the Loop – I don’t think they are exceptionally sketchy and wouldn’t plan my hotel just around taking the Blue Line to/from the airport.
also for a reasonably healthy middle aged adult and teen, everything in the Loop is “within walking distance” – the entire Loop is less than 2 miles in circumference.
+1. Take it to Clark and Lake then Uber to your hotel. River North is probably the best hotel area for tourists. It’s normally walkable from Clark and Lake but that might be a pain with suitcases. The loop is pretty empty at night but it’s more eery than dangerous.
This is good advice.
Where are you getting the “sketchy” info? The Clark-Lake or Washington stations are right in the loop and close to tourist stuff. Clark-Lake connects to a bunch of other lines for ease of getting around while you’re there.
Agree. All of these stops are fine and in highly trafficked / tourist-friendly areas. The only “sketchy” part I could think of is the Jackson tunnel between the red and blue platforms, but even that is totally fine (and I’ve had no qualms having visiting friends and my parents use that).
Ubers are pretty reasonable, as are taxis from ORD. Rather than letting el stop determine your hotel etc., I would consider not having the transit issue control other aspects of your trip.
Traffic is a nightmare with construction on the Kennedy – I’d highly advise taking the blue line.
Absolutely. It is a horror show.
OP, if I remember correctly you’re visiting UChicago and Northwestern? There’s a bunch of hotels near Lake & Michigan that would be walking distance to Clark / Lake (on the blue line, and also gives you access to several other lines). I’ve had family and friends have great experiences at the Arlo, Virgin Hotel, and Chicago Athletic Assoc (slightly farther south).
You could then take the red line (State & Lake) to purple to get up to Northwestern. To get to UChicago you could either take the Metra (Millennium Station) or a quick cab / uber to Hyde Park.
Seeking advice on birthday gifts for toddlers. I invited my coworker to our gift-optional baby shower and she told me she would get us a specific baby item that costs over $100. She then also invited me to her toddler’s birthday party. I would normally try to reciprocate with a gift in the same price range but a $100+ gift for a toddler seems a bit like overkill, and from some quick searching, might also be hard to find. What would others do? Bring a $20-30 gift for the kid and a bottle of wine for the parents?
I would not try to match levels on something like this. She may or may not get you the item, and $100+ is a lot for a toddler gift unless you’re family and/or had a conversation with the parent about the gift in advance so you know it’s not a duplicate or unwanted.
If you still want something at that price point, children’s museum or aquarium membership is a good one, but check first to see if they already have a membership.
That’s a really nice idea.
what did she get your toddler?
How about an annual membership to a local zoo or children’s museum?
Baby showers are a different price point than birthday parties I think. Like most in my crowd will spend $100+ on a shower gift but something in the $20-$30 range to a party.
Ok, this is reassuring! Thanks.
This is a very good point! I honestly almost never spent more than $20 on a kid birthday gift for a friend, but do way more for showers.