Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Aaaah, loving this sweater from Marc by Marc Jacobs today. The deep V-necked opening — great. The flounced detailing at the waist — love. The stand-up collar — amazing. We even like the super wide lapel and the double button placket all the way at the bottom. It’s $290 at Net-a-Porter in sizes 4-10. Marc by Marc Jacobs Nessa admiral-front sweater
If you’ve recently seen a great work piece you’d like to recommend to the readers, please e-mail [email protected] with “TPS” in the subject line. Unless you ask otherwise, we’ll refer to you by your first initial.
Anon
How would you style this for the office?
Cat
I would wear a layer underneath similar to the one shown (or one with a higher neckline). With a pastel underneath (yellow, pink, maybe a green), I’d wear a silver necklace (silver beads perhaps); with white, I’d be tempted to go with either gold or something colorful (coral?).
I think this is a pants top – between the weight of the knit and the volume of the ruffle, I think it would look too heavy atop a skirt. I’d pick a slightly lighter grey than the color shown.
MelD
I think it could look cute with a pencil skirt and a shirt similar to the one pictured. I don’t think it would look right with a button down though. The faux button detailing on this and the buttons on the shirt would be too much.
3L
I think it would go well with skinny pants or a lightweight pencil skirt. It would be too chunky with wool pants or A-line skirts.
Law-Less
I would do a charcoal grey skirt, white button-up blouse and gold jewelry. Nice look for casual Fridays. This could also look cute over a structured sheath.
Amy
Cute sweater but not sure if I’d spend $290 (even if it is a MJ). Looks pretty basic!
dee
marc by marc jacobs goes on sale, and it’s on gilt.com all the time. If you like it, you should wait until it pops up cheaper.
KZ
Thread hijack–Gap/Banana republic/Old Navy is having their friends and family 30% off starting on Thursday, where 5% of what you spend goes to a designated charity. If you aren’t on their email list and/or didn’t get one, those who did can send out invitations, so try to find a friend that has one. There are some great charities, so it’s a good excuse to buy some new clothes:-) (and it also includes the gap and banana outlet stores)
jcb
Thanks! I have a few things in my basket there – I’ll wait till Thursday now!
3L
Can we have Recession Mondays instead of Splurge Mondays, please?
ACE
I second that.
dee
i like splurge monday! it’s aspirational.
3L
Even if I reached my aspirational level, I dont think I would ever spend $300 on a cardigan.
B
I can’t take any more neutral colors! Time for some spring brights! (Maybe it’s just the rainy, gray weather talking).
D
Thread hijack:
My sister sent me this link. The woman looks fairly talented at making dresses. Anyone ever hired a dressmaker to make something? This looks adorable and with custom measurements, there’s no question it would fit:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42738160
Corporate Tool
I have had a couple of dresses made (bridesmaid dresses), and I wouldn’t suggest working with a dressmaker who can’t measure, and then fit you in person. Usually you need 2-3 fittings for a good dress, and it is pretty annoying if your custom dress arrives, and then has to be fitted.
If you like vintage-y clothing, I’d suggest either Posh Girl Vintage (www.poshgirlvintage.com), Unique Vintage (www.unique-vintage.com) or Mod Cloth/Plasticland. It probably makes more sense to order a dress in a size you know, and have it taken in.
J
Those dresses are great! I say go for it.
I’ve ordered several dresses from this etsy dressmaker:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40732519
and only occasionally needed an alteration to make the fit perfect. It’s nice to have something unique.
Anon
How is the fit snugness wise? I really like a few of the styles (I prefer high necks and sleeves for my work clothing) but my only concern is that they are all super fitted on the models/mannequins, and I prefer my clothes to skim my shape, not hug it. If you can give me some insight I’d really appreciate it b/c I am very tempted to order!
Also – lined or no?
AC
I like the purse that the model is carrying.
MAA
There’s a similar looking jacket at H&M for about $35.
jcb
Really nice! Thanks C.
Another Attorney
Forever 21 has a remarkably similar cardigan (same stand up collar, shoulders and ruffled waist but also has nautical-esque silver button details) for $24. I just purchased it last week and get lots of compliments.
I buy high-end clothing when warranted, but a $300 non-cashmere cardigan? No thanks ;-)
JF
I don’t think this would look “right” on me, but I think it’s very cute and unique. I’m not feeling the way the model is rocking the belt across it though.
New Job
I’ve seen comments about department stores offering a “personal shopper” before when you buy stuff from that store. I am about to start a new job and would like some new stuff to add to my work wardrobe. I won’t have a lot to spend (I want to keep it under $1,000) so I wanted your opinions as to where would be the best (quality and price) to do this. I’m in a big city so we have most of the major department stores–Nordstroms, Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Saks are the ones that come to mind. Also, if any of you have done this before, is there a lot of pressure to buy stuff? Thanks!