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Splurge Monday’s TPS Report: Jacquard Jaden Dress

Fashion· The Personal Shopper (TPS)· Wear to Work | · · · ·

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Jacquard Jaden Dress by Jason WuKirna Zabete has their summer sale going on, with prices up to 30% off designer duds like this lovely Jason Wu dress. We like the ladylike cut — the high bateau neckline, the roomy ballet sleeves, the knee-length A-line skirt — and we love the designer details, like the semi sheer hem and the woven jacquard fabric. Lovely. It’s significantly reduced — now $688.50, was $2295. Alas, lucky sizes only. Jacquard Jaden Dress Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-0)

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Workwear sales of note for 9.29.23:

  • Nordstrom – 28,000 markdowns, and big beauty sale!
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 30% off all sale styles
  • Athleta – 25% off for members, 20% off core
  • Banana Republic – Up to 40% off sale styles
  • Banana Republic Factory – 40% off everything + extra 20% off purchase
  • Brooks Brothers – Extra 25% off women’s clearance (ends Monday 10/2) – some great basics on wool suits for women
  • The Fold – Mid-season sale, up to 40% off!]
  • J.Crew – Extra 60% off select sale styles, 30% off fall styles, and 30% off men’s and boys’ suiting
  • J.Crew Factory – Up to 50% off everything
  • M.M.LaFleur – Sale on sale, extra 10% off
  • Reiss – Mid-season sale, up to 50% off
  • Talbots – 25% off your entire purchase
  • Theory – Friends + Family sale, 25% off sitewide
  • Ulta – Fall Haul Event, up to 40% off (ends 9/30)
  • Zappos – 18,500+ markdowns for women!

Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…

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

About Kat

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

Comments

  1. Emily

    It’s beautiful!!!! I’m a tightwad when it comes to clothes, but I’d think really hard about buying this. Exactly what a Splurge Monday should be. Thanks!

  3. LawyerChk

    Beautiful, but who really purchases a “Final Sale-no returns” item online at this price point?

    • EM

      People who have already tried on the item in the store, and know exactly what size they need, and how it will fit.

      That’s how I troll for things on Ebay….

      • Shayna

        Ditto — That’s the only way I would ever buy anything online – b/c even if there is a return policy I know myself well enough to know that I a. hate paying for shipping to return something and b. am unlikely to remember to actualy return it.

        • mbs

          I generally only order things from stores when I can return locally. I order from Talbots, because we have a Talbots store I can return to (although the store here has limited selection compared to the website) and I order from LandsEnd, because I can return at JC Penney. In the past I ordered from a variety of websites, which is how I ended up with so many new clothes in my closet that did not fit. But, beautiful dress, wish it was something I could go try on.

          • mbs

            Oops, I meant I can return LandsEnd orders to Sears, not Penney’s. It’s the only time I go into Sears, I should remember the name.

          • Legally Brunette

            True about Talbots, but very annoyed that they charge you for shipping. I bought a bunch of clothes from there last month, hated everything and returned it all in the store, only to have lost about $20 with shipping costs. I really like Nordstrom for that reason, the free shipping.

  5. RKT

    Threadjack:

    I am pretty sure folks on here have mentioned, before, a website that can track online retail prices for clothes or shoes (to watch to see if a price drops on a particular style of shoe, for example). I can’t for the life of me remember the name of the website — can someone help?

  6. LPC

    Gorgeous. That is really gorgeous. Given that I used to spend twice that sometimes on suits, the price is reasonable for a certain kind of piece. Almost makes me wish I had to go to the office these days:).

    • Emilie

      The first step is not wearing knee-high black boots and a micro mini to work when you’re pregnant…or anytime for that matter.

  9. Anon

    Wow. Whether it’s Splurge Monday or not, unless you are independently wealthy or have just hit the inheritence lotto, $700-$2K is ridiculous for a print dress that will see limited use. I wish women spent as much time worrying about their savings and careers as they did about their wardrobe.

    • Cat

      Maybe the woman who buys it can afford it because of all the time she’s spent on her career and planning her clothing budget.

      I think this is a dress that could be surprisingly versatile — great for work with black peep-toe heels, to a wedding or nice event with dressy sandals…

    • Agree

      I agree with you, but reading this site has taught me that tons of women spend money on clothes and purses BUT, my sense is that they take care of their possessions really well and they thus last a long time. Seems like the people who buy the Burberry trench or the Birkin bag have it for many, many years and get a lot of use out of it. I still can’t justify paying a ton of money on possessions (the $9000 Birkin bag discussion still boggles my mind), but that’s just me.

      • Me Too

        Trenches and bags are a little different since they can be worn over and over–but a paisley print dress? Personally, I could afford it without a second thought, but would never purchase it because it’s wasteful.

        • divaliscious11

          It’s wasteful for you…but as others have indicated, it could be a suprisingly versatile dress, and could be styled in several ways. I’m not crazy about this particular dress, but just because a dress is a print, doesn’t make it limiting, especially one that can transition from day to evening.

          • JP

            I found a print dress years ago with a great belt, elbow length sleeves, round neck, and gently pleated skirt that I have worn for 10 years. I still get compliments on it because it’s such a classic. If this looks good on you, snatch it up.

          • The Image Expert

            Paisley is more of a “yin” pattern (circular, floral, paisley) than a “yang” pattern (geometric, stripes, houndstooth) and so it will likely not be attractive to people whose personal style is more authoritative, tailored, and professional.

            That said, wearing a pattern can help women who have larger busts or fuller stomachs because the eye will see the pattern — not the body. http://bit.ly/boCT9R

    • divaliscious11

      Why would you assume that anyone considering spending $700-$2K on a dress does NOT spend as much time or more worrying about their savings and careers as they do their wardrobe? Perhaps it is the fact that they HAVE worried about their savings and careers that enables them to entertain the thought of spending this much on their clothes….
      You don’t have to hit the lotto or be independantly wealthy to earn sufficient income to be successful in your career, and to save adequately and buy a $2000 dress if you want it. You just have to manage your money well…

      • RR

        And of course, the Anon poster is spending time and energy (valuable resources) judging other people’s choices when that time and energy could be put to better use on her career and savings plan. Just because someone’s choice is not one you would make does not mean it’s not a valid choice. We are talking about a dress – not life and death. If a woman can afford a $600 printed dress and wants to but it, what business is it of yours? Ugh, I am so over the judgmental women here. Why can’t someone comment on clothes without making derisive comments about people?

      • jojo

        Yeah, some of the assumptions underlying these comments are disheartening. I don’t quite understand why some kinds of conspicuous consumption are more acceptable than, and don’t provoke as much judgment, as others.

        • x

          I don’t necessarily agree with Anon but I’m pretty over all this superficial materialism and over-emphasis on appearance. It’s just pretty wrapping paper for empty boxes…

          • AnneCatherine

            “Empty boxes”?! Well, anyhow, I’m sure we could all wear uniforms to work and free up some headspace that way (no more thinking about clothes!) but it’s probably not going to happen . . .

            On another , and only slightly related, note, I’ve noticed that the splurge Mondays tend to feature pieces that cost way, way more than I’d ever, personally, spend, and bargain Fridays (and even some Thursdays) feature almost disposable clothes from, e.g., Old Navy, ATL, etc., in the $25 range. I appreciate the effort to find clothes over a “range” of price points but, well, is it just me that has NO clothes that cost $2000 and also very few (or all that I need already) that cost $25? Most of my work wardrobe is made up of pieces that cost from $75 to, say, $500 (for a suit), but that range (say, $100- $500) gets short shrift sometimes? Maybe it’s just me . . .

          • The Image Expert

            Many people think that putting time and money into one’s appearance and image is superficial and unimportant.

            However, the way we dress and groom ourselves has an impact on the way we think, the way we feel, the way we act, and in turn the way that other people respond to us.

            Not everyone can afford to buy a $600 dress or choose to do so even if they can, but looking nice will have an impact on our success in the long run. This philosophy will hold true for working professional women as well as work-at-home moms. http://bit.ly/5Kt0tu

    • guest

      I understand your sentiment (we shopped at Walmart for clothes growing up), but I think you have it exactly backwards for a lot of Corporettes. … Honestly, I find that the *less* I think about clothes, the more I spend. It’s only when I have time and leisure for bargain hunting that I get the best deals and shop around for cheaper yet quality items. But frankly, I could definitely afford to buy this, precisely because I work *hard.* And as my work pressures grow and my time becomes more precious, my expenditure goes up simply because I no longer have the energy to leisurely shop the way I used to.

      This dress is gorgeous, BTW.

      • Anonymous

        Great point — I agree. When I’m short on time/energy, I’m much more tempted to throw money at the problem and buy a non-sale, pricey item if it fits and looks decent, because I don’t know when I’ll have the chance to look for something that might be a better bargain. Fortunately, I am currently in a situation where I do have that money to throw around, in part because I work long, hard hours. I do want to point out, though, that there are lots of people who work really hard and can’t afford something like this. I’m lucky that society values my skill set enough to compensate me well for my hard work.
        Also agree that the dress looks beautiful.

    • Anonymous

      And I wish women spent as much time minding their own business as they did posting judgy comments on the internet, but hey, we can’t always have what we wish for.

      • Lizbet

        I think there can be multiple reasons for following this blog. Some may want to use it as a quick click-through guide to buying work-appropriate clothes. Others may use it as a way to keep in touch with work style in general; others may find it fun fantasy reading. I do all three, depending on the day. I appreciate that Kat seems to put up posts that can be appreciated by any of these camps.

        That said, I have to agree with other posters that the tone of the responses has gotten much snarkier recently — can we please cut that out? I’d like to think of this as a supportive community, rather than one that’s looking to score points or vent on each other.

        Peace and love! :)

      • L

        I’d also just add that I’d be much more inclined to buy more expensive clothing if I were single and wasn’t saving for a family. But, just because I am, doesn’t mean a lot of women aren’t–and if you’re making good money without a family to consider–then Enjoy!

        And I agree with the serious foot-in-her-mouth statement about worrying about savings and careers–she clearly does not know her audience.

    • Shayna

      Ew, no! The color block and red accents make me think of Magenta in the Rocky Horor Picture Show! No, no, no… no matter how rich you are! Colorblock is a look best left to divesuits and the ice-capades!

      • RG

        Could we work on constructive criticism? Its a suit not a mouse no need to squeal

      • Anon-Y.

        If they made wetsuits in that cut/color combination, I’d buy it in a heartbeat!

    • Rachel

      I think it’s very cute, if your office is formal enough to provide a good backdrop for it.

    • Cat

      Interesting, and I could see it working if it really suits your personal style/attitude — but only outside of work (too bold/showy for the office IMO). Reminds me of the recent Project Runway designer — Mila? — who seemed to color block in B&W nearly every episode, particularly the black/white pants outfit that she won a challenge with.

    • Janet

      I love this. I wouldn’t wear it to court, but I would rock it in the office (if I had money to spare for a not-very-versitile suit)! FWIW, I probably tend toward pushing the limits with bright colors in a conservative office.

      However, I’m a bit curious as to how it would look without the belt (which is, apparently, sold separately and no longer available). There are no belt-less pictures, which is kind of a bummer. I wonder if the red on the sleeves would look really out of place without the belt? Or maybe it would just look more ordinary without the belt (which could be a good thing in BigLaw)?

    • Frump

      I love St. John and definitely think they have many pieces in their recent collections that would be good for younger and older women, this included. With this suit, however, I definitely would not wear it with the large, red belt. It detracts from the clean geometric lines and simplicity and makes it a bit too trendy (in not the greatest way) in my opinion. The red cuffs are the perfect splash of color and keep the suit unique and fresh, whereas the belt just looks out of place and is trying to make the suit something it’s not.

      Were I wearing this, I would probably try to wear it with no belt at all, but if it needed one, I would try a smaller black belt just to keep the flashiness of the red at a tasteful and not too over the top level.

    • Ru

      I like the suit a lot and think that it could work on all types of women.

      On a side-note, even though we hate commenting on models here, I just have to mention that I really like the way they styled her – her hair and shoes and everything really sell the suit. Very nice.

    • AnneCatherine

      I dislike the belt, and wonder how the (satin?) cuffs would look–perhaps out of place?–without it. It’s a good price for that line I believe. I’m not sure I consider it a work suit–because of the satin trimmings–but also, it doesn’t really look like a dinner suit. If you wore it without the belt, and had the sleeves shortened to remove the red cuffs, I think it might be more wearable (though the white on the sides would stand out at, for instance, my office or court, I’m sure some women could carry that off with panache).

    • Erin

      This would look great on both younger and older women who serve as general counsel for the crew of the Starship Enterprise. Otherwise, no.

      • michelle

        funny! I was thinking stewardess, but I can relate to Starship Enterprise too.
        But seriously, the colorblock, long skirt, contrast cuffs (and $200 for a red satin belt? and it’s sold out?) – hard to believe you could wear it more than a handful of times and not feel costume-y. I tend to wear very classic suits if I’m wearing a suit at all, so maybe i’m just not fashion-forward enough to get this, but it doesn’t say “work outfit” to me.

  12. Pencil skirts

    Off topic post — I wanted to circle back with feedback about some pencil skirts I bought based on suggestions from this group. First off, I’ve come to the realization that JCrew simply does not work on my figure. Seems like a lot of you ladies love their stuff, but their pencil skirts are too straight for my curvy figure. I end up looking hip-py in all of them.

    I LOVE the skirts from Classiques Entier! Just went to Nordstrom over the weekend and bought a gorgeous 100% wool skirt (not the high waisted one seen online, a different one) and another gorgeous gray skirt (it’s polyester, but so darn flattering I couldn’t resist). I have a small waist and curvy hips and the CE brand is just perfect for me.

    Thanks for the recs, all.

    • E

      I agree completely — can’t wear j.crew, love CE. I think they cut for a curvy figure, and the pencil skirts look good on me without being too va-va-va-voom. It’s a good lesson that different brands work for different people. Up until CE, I thought that I just couldn’t wear a pencil skirt.

      • Pencil skirts

        Ditto everything you said. CE skirts are the first pencil skirts I’ve tried on that are flattering, although I did find a Banana pencil skirt over the weekend that I liked.

    • dee

      i love CE. i am wearing a CE dress right now. I’m also curvy and the fit is perfect.

  13. Frump

    Unique in its own trendy way, I suppose, though not what I’d personally spend almost $700 worth of splurge money on. I recently saw a beautifully demure, light pink silk Burberry dress that would be much more versatile and long lasting than this dress for about $150 cheaper no less.

    Or, I’d rather save the $700 until I had $700 more and buy this one particular gold and black cocktail dress from St. John’s most recent collection. It gave me the proper lusties and upon seeing it, I was definitely mentally accessorizing it with various congressmen/CEOs/world monarchs and the soiree-like settings it would be worn in.

      • Frump

        The best way to do Burberry in my opinion- subtle, demure, classic (you have to scroll a little bit down the page and click on the picture on the right hand side to get a bigger view of just the dress not covered by the coat).
        http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446246717&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574491542341&bmUID=1275946039135&ev19=2:10

        And just to really taunt me, I believe that dress comes/came in a baby blue as well.

        Re my lustful St. John cocktail dress, it’s just such a shame this isn’t on the cover of Vanity Fair with me in it (while also rocking some hugely tall pair of killer cocktail heels)
        http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod103470088&parentId=cat540733&masterId=cat000019&index=59&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000009cat000019cat540733

        • RKS

          Not loving the Burberry dress … but the St. John dress. Oh wow. Just wow. That’s seriously lust-worthy.

          • LPC

            So here’s the example that proves the general case. For Frump, this dress is perfection. For me, wouldn’t wear it to work in a million years. Too girly. I work in an industry so dominated by men that in one developer conference the main speaker used half naked women to make his point about an open source framework. And never mind what others thought, I myself just don’t feel right in girly clothes when I am working. The only time I ever did girly was when I was pregnant. And the St. John’s, In My Humble Opinion, and maybe we need a new acronym, To My Personal Taste, TMPT, is matronly. But that is subjective. I am a liberal Democrat living in the most liberal, counter culture part of the whole country. So I’m tainted:).

            So can we PLEASE start fighting like good married people and use I language? I don’t like that dress, not, no one in their right mind would EVER wear it and is also a moral degenerate and must watch RHONJ besides? Thank you. *sits back down*

        • divaliscious11

          Interesting – the Burberry dress would make me feel I was playing little girl dress up, with the peter pan collar, (I went to Catholic elementary schools so….) so i’d maybe wear it out on a date night with husband, but not to work.

          I don’t like the St John’s dress either – looks like curtains, to me.

          But if you like, it and want to get it, good luck!

  14. Little Lurker

    I love this dress — chic and interesting enough to be a real splurge rather than a wardrobe basic.

    I disagree with the above commenter that $600 is too much to spend on any one splurge item. As a college student, I definitely do not have money for this now nor will I have any for several years to come, but if you’re in the right tax bracket and are financially secure, why not spend the money on such a beautiful piece?

  15. 75

    This dress is certainly not for work, unless maybe you are in-house counsel in the entertainment industry. But beyond that, I think the use of the blown-up paisley (and I am a great fan of paisley) is kind of sexual looking, in an unfortunate way, especially in the placement of the huge paisleys (for want of a better word) on the body. As always, it is important to consider what clothing will look like at a distance, and also close up. Sometimes we can get away with a wild pattern if it is in black-and-white!

    • 3L

      This dress reads more demure than sexual to me. I really don’t see where you’re coming from here.

      • RR

        Ditto. I don’t love the dress, but I could wear it to work at my midwestern BigLaw firm. I don’t see how it read “sexy” at all. It seems very demure to me.

    • divaliscious11

      75 – where do you work? I would have /have worn a dress similar to this at every place I’ve worked…clerking/biglaw/AG’s office and in-house……

      • v

        I’m guessing 75 works under a nice bridge somewhere, from which she demands livestock as tribute from unsuspecting passers-by.

        • ANON

          That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?
          If the idea here is that we do not want “judgy” comments (see above thread), then maybe we should limit the snark to occasions that actually merit it (like glamambassador, etc., and not actual human beings who — gasp — have feelings & are just trying to share their opinions).

          • v

            ::shrug:: for what it’s worth, I’m using the Internet version of “troll;” it wasn’t an appearance related comment. If 75 is, in fact, sharing opinions she actually holds instead of trying to stir up shit, I apologize.

          • Erin

            Maybe you’re not internet savvy enough to know that a person who consistently posts comments intended to bait others is known as a “troll.” v was trying to wittily say that that’s what 75 is.

          • fdg

            So I guess the lesson from 58 is it’s ok to be judgy and mean as long as you agree with her opinion? 75’s comment did not seem at all provocative.

          • v

            fdg, it’s the pattern of provocative comment (paisley is sexy?) plus no response to commentors engaging with discussion that pings my trollometer. If that’s judgy and mean, I can live with that, but it was meant as a fairly dispassionate observation of the communication pattern in question.

          • fdg

            v, I agree with ANON that you were pretty harsh. All 75 said was there is a big paisely drawing attention to the woman’s chest, which is a legitimate comment. She was commening on the placement of the paisley, not the paisley, but you must have missed that. Could it be that 75 didn’t respond fast enough for you because she was *working*?

          • v

            I’d never call troll based on one comment. I’m thinking of 75’s comment oeuvre as a whole. There seems to be a pattern of controversial opinion + flurry of good faith responses + silence.

          • ANON

            ERIN — I well knew what v meant. I am well aware of trolls.
            What I was trying to say is that it was rude.

          • ANON

            Also, for what it is worth, I think 75 has come a long way in her contributions. Far from being troll-like (here, I am thinking of a sometime poster [Big C, maybe? can’t remember the name, sorry] who just called things consistently “f-ugly,” etc., with no constructive thought behind the notion), 75 voices a unique perspective and has made a genuine effort (it seems to me) to express things as HER opinion and not as god-given fact, as was sometimes, previously the case. I can’t say I agree with what 75 says very often, and she does have a strange view on things IMO, but I don’t begrudge her that perspective. In fact, sometimes it is refreshing.

            Some people post more and others less, but if someone voices their opinion & you find it disagreeable, there are better way to go about voicing that disagreement. There are lots of places I could go to read “troll-like” comments & then responses calling those people “trolls.” I do not come here for that.

          • Anon

            While 75 definitely has very strong (and sometimes a bit strange) opinions regarding the daily postings, I wouldn’t call troll. I might not agree with her, but I appreciate her expressing her opinion (and actually saying why she doesn’t like something, rather than just “this is fug”).

          • CFM

            I appreciate different viewpoints, but 75 is just plain mean most of the time. Her comment that the shabby apple dress would be great for a social worker or legal was just rude and a way to disparage a certain line of work while adding nothing of value to the conversation. I think she just tries to get a rise out of people, not actually share opinions

    • Dani

      LOL- “the placement of the huge paisleys”! That struck me as very amusing. I never thought of paisley as a sexy pattern but there is a first time for everything!

  16. KM

    Off topic — I recently purchased a Theory suit at the Theory outlet. After braving the Memorial Day crowds I ended up getting a great deal on a suit that fits me like a glove. I’ve always loved Theory suiting but it has been a bit out of my price range until recently (new job, yay!) but have never tried it on in the stores because I’m a really popular size and they never seem to have it on the rack so I just admired from afar. My question is this — the skirt that I purchased to go with the jacket was not lined, neither were the pants (which I didn’t purchase initially), is this just the way Theory does things or was their no lining because I purchased at the outlet? Either way I don’t really care, the skirt fits nicely sans lining, I’m just wondering.

    • AnneCatherine

      Theory doesn’t line from what I’ve read/seen. Personally I don’t fit in Theory clothes :-( so I don’t speak from first-hand experience.

    • Anon

      My Theory pants and skirts (purchased in Theory shop) are unlined. I don’t think they make lined pants/skirts, actually (and if they do, someone PLEASE point me in that direction b/c I prefer lined work separates!).

    • s-k-s

      Theory has amazing fit – when I wear my Theory suit I always get compliments – but NEVER lines. It really bugs me, especially b/c of the brand’s price point, so I will only buy it at outlets. That said, my unlined Theory pants have held up very well.

    • Wondering

      May I ask what type of body shape you have? I just tried on a Theory skirt and felt like a sausage in it. I’m pretty slim, usually a size 4 or 6 in skirts but I’m very curvy, and the Theory skirt was really unflattering.

      • Anonymous

        Theory generally cuts things quite straight, in my experience. I am proportionally bigger on top (shoulders, bust) and narrower in the hips and thighs, so I love their pants but sadly can’t get a jacket past my elbows.

        On the other hand (in reponse to the comments on the Classiques Entier line ), I love the CE jackets and tops; CE pants give me grandpa butt. :(

        • Lucy

          I LOVE theory.
          Also curvy. Skinny arms, small-ish shoulders, big bust, small waist curvy butt & hips.
          I do have to go up a few sizes in theory, of course, but would agree that nothing makes me feel/look as good as theory clothes.

      • s-k-s

        I agree, Theory is a pretty straight cut. I’m not particularly small – normally a size 10, go up to a 12 in Theory – but I am kind of straight in build, and Theory both slims and “curves” me.

    • dee

      Theory does line *some* things – I have two theory dresses that are lined. but their suiting basics are never lined. I don’t find it to be an issue because I think their fabric isn’t itchy, but some people hate this about theory.

      • KM

        I’m a pretty curvy size 4/6 but I bought an 8 in the basic theory skirt and love the fit. It could probably use some tailoring in the waist area, but I like a little room there to allow for stuffing tops in and/or that after lunch bloat.

    • michelle

      My Theory pants are unlined, and I agree they don’t seem to line their things. I agree they fit nicely (though the pants are cut for thin thighs; they work for me but not for my similarly sized but differently shaped friend ). I am busty and somewhat curvy but do have thin legs, and their cuts flatter for my shape – but I get a size bigger jacket than pants.

  18. LPC

    I have to say, some of the clothes I spent a lot on are clothes I have kept for 15 years and worn over and over and over again. Not only that, some of the remarkable pieces are like the smell of sunscreen, bring the memories right on back. There were some mistakes – a white cashmere suit dear god what was I thinking – but I have always been a buy few buy well kind of person and I really would guess that in fact I’ve spent less on my work wardrobe over the years than many. Helped, of course, by a reliance on white tshirts and a high tech culture that’s happy with jeans on Fridays and in office days.

    Oh, and to each her own, but I don’t get sexy from anything in a men’s tie pattern. Maybe that’s just me.

  19. Erin

    Just got an email from Talbot’s touting their new shorts suits, “inspired by our friends in Bermuda.” WTF, Talbot’s? I thought you of all stores could be relied upon not to make me look like a fashion victim.

    The worst part is that even with shorts, their suits are still boxy. Sigh.

  20. dee

    thread-jack: does anyone have any rec’s for seersucker suiting? i know it’s been discussed lately, and i just went to try on the talbot’s seersucker and wanted to try on some others before I commit. Someone mentioned brooks brother’s but I can’t find it on their website. any other suggestions? i’m looking to spend under $200 for the jacket and $100 for the skirt.

    • AnneCatherine

      BB will have it at some point this year, I’d venture to say, but for now check the BB outlet (if you have one near you); I think someone mentioned that in the seersucker suit thread or maybe a weekend thread. Oddly, it can be hard to find. I couldn’t wait and so just bought the Talbots one (with pants; now I want the skirt, too!) I think that my dearly-departed BB one was more expensive than what you are looking to spend (I can’t exactly recall, and I got the pants option), but maybe the outlet will be somewhat less expensive.

    • SF Bay Associate

      You won’t find Brooks Brothers jackets of any kind for under $200 or skirts under $100, unless on clearance. It’s too early in the season for seersucker to be on clearance.

    • RR

      I tried on the Talbots version yesterday. It was really very nice. Great fabric, great fit (on me – on the double digit side). I’m still having a hard time justifying the price at full price however. Stalking the sale with fingers crossed.

    • Anon

      You’re not – I think it looks like a formerly beautiful dress until it was washed and the colors ran, leaving some light and some dark patches and strange dip-dye effect at the hem.

      • AIMS

        Oh, god, that’s actually what happened to one of my favorite dresses recently.
        I cheaped out & decided to wash, not dry clean & there goes that . . .
        I still haven’t come to terms with it . . . . sigh . . . . :)

        And, yes, I am not a fan of this one. I would wear it only if someone was paying me in the neighborhood of $600 to do so ;)

    • Eva

      No, not just you. It doesn’t appeal to me at all. If I were to wear it, it seems like the type of thing I wouldn’t want to put on more than once every six or eight weeks (and probably not at all during cold months). I’m not sure about this “work to evening” need so many people seem to have – I find 95% of what I wear to work every day appropriate for 90%+ of my evening commitments. Once or twice a year, I have to make an effort to put something on in the morning that transitions into a specific look for after work that doesn’t say I-just-came-from-work, but I have plenty of things that get the job done if I just throw a blazer on during the day. What exactly are we talking about here that’s happening so often? Dates?

      • Cat

        I’d probably care more about work-to-evening if I didn’t live close to both work and plenty of restaurants for “dates” — i.e., if hubby and I had a long commute home, and then had to make an effort to travel to dinner, we’d be more tempted to go out to dinner straight from work…and I do try to avoid the “no question this was my work outfit” looks when we go out on weeknights (ok, just Friday nights if we aren’t too tired, who am I kidding).

        I do like to find pieces that can work in more than one situation, like I think this one can, as opposed to only needing to carry a few things with me to transform a look from day to night.

      • AIMS

        My work to evening problem usually comes up when I want to meet some friends after work who will be dressed much more casually than I will be (as in, we’re all in our 20’s but they are not lawyers or corporate bankers). I hate to stick out as the one in the suit/suit separates when everyone else is wearing cute jeans and a funky top.

        I don’t always have time to go home to change & I hate bringing clothes with me to work as that’s one more thing to carry, and then to carry back home later.

        That’s when it usually comes up for me. And this dress certainly will not help at ALL in that situation.

  22. 75

    75 thinks of herself as being not all that strange, and a fairly conservative (and not expensive) dresser. 75 is a good dressmaker and an amateur clothing designer. 75 has lived (and shopped) in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Las Vegas, Reno, Boston, New Jersy (greater NYC area) and Baltimore. 75 knows her way around a clothing rack.

    75 did not answer back because she has been busy drafting a motion in limine for the federal court.

    • AIMS

      75 — don’t let anyone here discourage you from sharing your opinions, even if they are sometimes in the third person.

      • Louise

        Agreed. I enjoy 75’s comments, even in the 75th person.

        Just curious, 75: why 75? Lucky number? Year diploma received? I’m fairly sure you’re the only numbered nick name here.

    • divaliscious11

      I wasn’t being snarky in my inquiry above – I just wondered where you’d worked wear a dress cut like the one above wasn’t work appropriate.

  23. SR

    I love this dress – I would want to try it on to make sure the paisley doesn’t draw undue attention to my bust, but the pattern is what drew me in. I bought a Nanette Lepore dress similar to this one (shades of grey, cream, and black with a swirl-like pattern) and have worn it to my synagogue during the high holy days, to the symphony with my husband (twice), and to award ceremonies and receptions related to work. It’s become my “little black dress” and I get tons of compliments on it. I’d approach this dress with the same attitude of wearing it to multiple functions and events.

      • SR

        Thanks AIMS! I’d post a pic from the NP website but I have no idea what the product name or number is. I got it for a steal at TJ Maxx – it was $40 on clearance! I couldn’t believe no one had snatched it up yet. It was one of my most exciting shopping experiences. I always look out for cool dresses on the clearance rack now.

        Incidentally, the paisley design is believed to have come from the shape of a mango which is my favorite fruit. Grew up with one in the backyard in the Caribbean. I loved paisley even more after learning that fun fact.

        • MelD

          Your TJ Maxx has NP? I am so jealous. I check once every other month or so but have never found anything all that good there.

  24. AN

    I own a dress in the exact same design/cut from DKNY (except mine is black). I can vouch for the total comfort and (I think) slimming effect of this all-covered-up design. Perfect for work and after!

  26. Housecounsel

    Love the dress. Love “general counsel for the Starship Enterprise” even more.

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