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Splurge Monday’s TPS Report: Tulip-Neck Sheath Dress

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Happy Monday! I'm loving this simple green sheath dress from Oscar de la Renta, featuring a unique tulip neckline. I like the belt they've styled it with, but it would be great with a more feminine belt as well. I'd wear it with a gray blazer for the office. It's $1890 at Bergdorf Goodman. Tulip-Neck Sheath Dress Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-0)

Sales of note for 1/16/25:

  • M.M.LaFleur – Tag sale for a limited time — jardigans and dresses $200, pants $150, tops $95, T-shirts $50
  • Nordstrom – Cashmere on sale; AllSaints, Free People, Nike, Tory Burch, and Vince up to 60%; beauty deals up to 25% off
  • AllSaints – Clearance event, now up to 70% off (some of the best leather jackets!)
  • Ann Taylor – Up to 40% off your full-price purchase; extra 50% off sale
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Boden – 15% off new styles with code — readers love this blazer, these dresses, and their double-layer line of tees
  • DeMellier – Final reductions now on, free shipping and returns — includes select options like Montreal, Vancouver, and Venice
  • Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; extra 50% off all clearance, plus ELOQUII X kate spade new york collab just dropped
  • Everlane – Sale of the year, up to 70% off; new markdowns just added
  • J.Crew – Up to 40% off select styles; up to 50% off cashmere
  • J.Crew Factory – 40-70% off everything
  • L.K. Bennett – Archive sale, almost everything 70% off
  • Rothy's – Final Few: Up to 40% off last-chance styles
  • Sephora – 50% off top skincare through 1/17
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Summersalt – BOGO sweaters, including this reader-favorite sweater blazer; 50% off winter sale; extra 15% off clearance
  • Talbots – Semi-Annual Red Door Sale – 50% off + extra 20% off, sale on sale, plus free shipping on $150+

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

145 Comments

  1. Love everything about the dress, especially the color, but $1,800?!

    1. It never fails. Every week someone is incapable of grasping the concept of Splurge Monday and whines because it’s not Frugal Friday.

      1. Well, to be fair, $1,800 for a dress Is A HUGE splurge, even if you’re making $100,000+ a year. You could buy a mac computer with that you know… or renovate your house.

        1. I think this type of dress is bought by people who make much more than $100,000 and have enough money that blowing $1,800 on one dress is not a big deal. Although I will probably never spend this much on one piece of clothing, I still like the Splurge Monday selections as inspiration items for their color, detail, design or styling.

          1. If you’re buying this dress, you are probably making closer to $500K – 1 mil. It’s a gorgeous dress, but it’s not something you could wear often as you would then be known as the woman “in that green dress.” So to buy this, you would need to have a LOT of discretionary income. I make close to $200K and there is no way I would spend this much money on a dress.

      2. Ms. BEF is a longtime commenter here. I doubt that she is failing to grasp the concept or whining. I too think that $1800 is a GIGANTIC splurge. That’s a nice vacation, or a low-end used car, or heck, several months rent in many places.

    2. Ms. Frankweiler is simply implying that the $1,800 price point is high. That’s all. She’s not telling Kat that it’s rediculous that the dress is featured and is not asking Kat to only post what is normally considered as “affordable” clothes on the Splurge Mondays post.

      Maseratis are incredibly expensive and their price point takes my breath away but I still love looking at them and enjoying their beauty.

      P.S. LOVE THIS DRESS and I am now on a hunt to find a similar one that is about $300 or less. Wish me luck!

      1. That’s the spirit I took this post in. Understand why it’s an $1800 dress (cut, color, finishing, label), decide if it’s worth that much to me, decide if it’s a look for me at a lower price point, and go from there.

    3. Thanks all for the support. As you’ve previously indicated, I was just commenting on the price. I actually enjoy Splurge Mondays because they give me something to aspire to. Once I finish paying off my six figure debt of course. ;-D

      1. NP.

        Splurges are personal choice. I tried on my coveted Cartier Tank Francais in the store this weekend. It did not say, “Beautiful splurge.” Rather, it said, “Ha-ha, Sucker, you’ll have spent $5k on a quartz watch!”

        So I did not splurge. This dress is also not the splurge for me, if you get my drift.

  2. The only have it in scarlet in my size. Oh darn. Oh yeah, and I don’t have $1800 either. But wow, what a nice dress.

    Please note, it is WOOl. Hint, hint, American designers.

    1. Not all Americans want wool- that just sounds like a nightmare to me in Florida most of the time. It’s either itchy and unlined or has some synthetic liner that makes it unbearable.

      1. Wool crepe is a great all-weather fabric. Worn with a silk slip (which one can surely afford if one is in the market for Oscar de la Renta), it would be nice and breezy even in a hot southern summer.

        You’re totally right about a standard poly-lined wool blend from a mass-market women’s boutique, though.

    2. I also wear wool year round, and I too wish more retailers would get with the program It seems like everything is unlined poly these days. Not my taste.

      Armani consistently makes the most beautiful clothes, and this dress is no exception. Alas, I cannot afford them even at 8am on December 26th at Saks when it’s 50% off plus another 30% off. It is fun to admire from a distance though.

    3. I love this dress! Anyone have $1800 lying around that they’d like to give me?

    5. Wool is fantastic. My favorite fabric by far! It has been so difficult to find natural fibers lately – increasingly so over the last 5 years.

  5. Meant to post this in the weekend thread…

    Did anyone see the shorts suit feature in the Wall Street Journal? First of all, the WSJ was recommending shorts suit, which to me was a WTF. But I honestly cannot think of any company other than a fashion or totally casual software company where a shorts suit would be acceptable.

    I work in a business-casual environment, but shorts are absolutely not allowed, along with flip flops, sneakers, and jeans.

    1. Yep– made me smile. Like, the ur fashion cliche prototypical, almost-satirical sillyness. Charming in the admirably 100% reality-free earnestness and certainty. From another planet. Planet Fashion.

    2. Agreed. This is one I just dont get. For the most part, I think that even in business formal enviornments, unless you are going to court, you can pull off just about anything as long as you are properly put together (open-toed shoes, capri suits etc). Shorts, however, no matter how polished and put together you look, just cant ever be acceptable business attire except maybe in the fashion industry.

    3. I would say that their “formal office” ensemble could just about fly in my office, provided that the bermuda shorts are long enough.

      I own, and wear to work, a pair of black knee-length bermuda shorts made out of a poly-blend suiting material which I usually wear with a matching fitted jacket, a crisp button-down, heels and pearls. It works if you keep everything else very formal.

    4. Didn’t see this article, but I am pretty much resigned to magazines recommending totally work-inappropriate clothes “for the office.” Honestly, I think the clothes I actually do wear to work are way too conservative, by necessity, to make a fashion spread worth reading. It is what it is! So I actually enjoy the “suggestions” in Lucky or InStyle as kind of a fantasy of what I’d wear if I worked…at Lucky or InStyle. In a fairly senior position, probably.

    5. I work at the court, the clerk of the court’s secretary will wear a shorts suit — all I can do is cringe.

    6. Last week, I was walking back from lunch with our intern, and we saw an old man (70ish) wearing a full navy blue classic men’s suit– except instead of pants it had shorts, which he wore with knee socks and black oxfords, naturally.

      You can’t make this stuff up, folks. It reminded me of the little shorts suits you’d see on little boys in photos from the 50s or so, like what Justice Robert’s son wore to his swearing-in.

          1. Yep. I tried to include a link here, but google Bermuda Business Dress or something like that. I work in an industry (insurance) where lots of execs cycle through Bermuda, and they indeed wear full business looks with bermuda shorts in the summers.

          2. @mamabear – Wow, I had no idea. He looked pretty funny on the streets of downtown DC on a 90-degree day. He was an old white guy with a beard, too, so I didn’t even think that he actually be Bermudan. Now I feel like a jerk.

    7. I didn’t see it, but IMO the WSJ jumped the shark in 2001/2002 when they started adding more “lifestyle” features. All it did was emphasize how out of touch they were (not that the NY Times is exempt in that department, either).
      (:

      1. As a librarian, I find the NY Times’ lifestyle features on “modern hipster librarians!” uniformly hilarious.

    8. Just to play devil’s advocate for a moment: what if the shorts were the same length as an office-appropriate skirt?

      2. They’re specifically banned in my business-casual office. I’ve seen a couple women wear them, and they look totally unprofessional, especially since they’re blatantly violating the dress code. We can wear capris or skirts, so I don’t see why some women opt to break the rules when shorts really aren’t any more comfortable.

        I’d have a little more sympathy for men who wear Bermuda shorts on casual Friday on a 100 degree day, because women can always wear a skirt and be just as cool and comfortable. But strangely, it’s always women who break the rules and wear shorts. Always.

        If they were permitted, and it was casual day (our Fridays in the summer are casual casual, not business casual), and you had a job that required no interaction with the public or with outside guests, then it’d be ok if they were nicely tailored, longish shorts, IMO.

    9. Unless you’re in Bermuda, no shorts in the office, period. Anyone who’s wearing them now because they’re trending will look back on these days with regret.

  6. This is cute, but way to expensive for my taste. If I had $1900, I would probably buy a new carborator for my 1993 Toyota. Right now, I am saving for a new car.

    1. I think you’re a troll, but just in case…

      In 1993 carburetors had pretty much given way to fuel injection – I’d be very surpirsed if your car had one. Time to switch mechanics…

      1. Eh – a quick search of the interwebs show that Toyota had 4Runners and pickup models with a carburetor in 1993. So…. the troll wagon was a bit precipitous.

        1. This whole exchange is reminiscent of Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny. In a good way :)

        2. @Noner: Oops! You’re absolutely right. I’ll try to rescue myself by saying that I found carbureators for <$200.
          http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale/wholesale-toyota-carb.html

          Do you know if fuel injection came in for small cars first? My theory is that pickups and 4-Runners would need a serious engine and might stick with more mature technology after smaller cars had switched to fuel injection.

          1. Based on what I read (quickly, via wikipedia) is that passenger cars had began switching in 80s, and had largely moved towards fuel injection by the 90s – but didn’t say much about larger vehicles.

            So…maybe?

      2. Please don’t ask how I know this, but:

        1. Depending on where the poster lives, carbs may be widely used. Fuel injection is because of emission requirements. No emission law = older technology abounds.

        2. What’s wrong with your carb? I’m guessing no power off acceleration? Get a rebuilt kit for cheap or get a used one from a wrecker.

        3. You can get a heck of a used car (3 yrs or so) for a fraction of the price of a new car.

        (Guess how I paid for undergrad… )

  7. So Oscar de la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic… who knew? Love! Anyone know a source for a belt like the one on the dress, for less? TIA!

    2. I actually just read this somewhere or other and my mom and I were discussing it since he is also touted as the “first” American designer or something like that but is actually Dominican . . . interesting.

  9. Looking for DC advice.

    I am taking my partner to DC for some touring before he takes his citizenship test. I used to work in DC, so am pretty familiar with the sites and activities, but thought I might ask for an update on details.

    I was thinking of going to Bistrot Du Coin one night, but would like to try something new as well. Any recommendations for the best Ethiopian restaurant there now?

    We will probably do the monuments at night, Capitol tour with friends that work at the Senate, and museums during the days. But do the DC Corporettes have any recommendations specific activities the weekend of June 18-20?

    Also, any good recommendations for Salsa dancing?

    1. Re Ethiopian – I love an (Eritrean) place called Selam (on U St.), but it’s a total hole-in-the-wall (not sure if you want something nicer).

      1. These are absolutely the best 2 Ethiopian restaurnts in DC. Dukem is boisterous and crowded and sometimes has live music (make a reservation); Etete is more intimate (still make a reservation). Both are delicious.

    3. Sorry, no Salsa rec’s (though I’m also interested — I’ve decided this is a skill I need to learn), but just a heads up: the DC Triathlon is on the 19th; expect some road closures around the Mall if you’re planning to be there in the morning/early afternoon.

    4. Dukem and Etete for Ethiopian (per my comment above).

      Havana Village is probably the best place for salsa dancing. It’s on Columbia Road just west of 18th. Make sure you dress snappy, especially your guy – I have seen men get turned away for the slightest dress code violation. Also, they charge a cover for men, but not for women. Also, up on the top floor there are always a bunch of awesome old men who want to dance with all the women (they are amazing dancers, not skeevy), which is probably why they try to weed out the guys.

      For a more crowded, club-like dance atmosphere, try Cafe Citron on Connecticut, but it’s not purely salsa – lots of reggaeton and some electronica too. They may have salsa-only nights so check their website.

    5. The best place for Ethiopian food in D.C., hands down, is Ethiopic on H Street NE. Tom Sietsema (food critic from the Washington Post) has routinely said that it is the best in the city.

      1. I had a mediocre meal at Ethiopic recently — none of the dishes wowed me, it was all a little bland. I much prefer Etete and Dukem.

  10. Absolutely gorgeous dress and color. Definitely not something for my body type (or wallet!), but it’s beautiful.

  11. Gorgeous dress.

    So while cruising the mall this weekend, anthropologie drew me into their store because of a beautiful silk yellow dress. I can’t find it online but it a muted/mixed canary/mustard yellow with a steel gray print. Gorgeous.

    I found another “painting” dress – heavy weight cotton, well structured dress: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20976874&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&navAction=top&navCount=96&color=049&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&templateType=subCategory

    This green polka dot wrap dress is beautiful and the lining is bright yellow: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=19690411&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&navAction=top&navCount=96&color=049&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES-PRINTED&templateType=subCategory

    Somebody was looking for brightly colored lace dresses? Here’s one: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20647673&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&navAction=top&navCount=96&color=080&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES-SOLID&templateType=subCategory

      3. I have that dress in the old colorway (teal with yellow polka dots). It’s very flattering, but I haven’t been able to bring myself to wear it after Emma on Glee did. I love Anthro dresses, but I hate knowing that anything I buy there has a 75% chance of being seen first on Glee by everyone I know (because they all watch the show).

    2. I have been stalking this lace dress and will be trying it on if I can find it in Seattle next weekend….

      2. Oh, did I just repost your dress? Whoops. I recall seeing some lace dresses at JCP, here are a few I found online:
        ivory: http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1b92f09&Nao=0&Ne=840+4+877+878+5+961+6+29+3+598+11+15+12+506+10+23+585+596+963+579+1031+8+1022+1014+586+1007+879+1027+18+904+903+969+833+949&hdnOnGo=true&NOffset=0&Ntt=lace+dress&SearchString=lace+dress&N=4294959029&SO=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=searchresults
        black: http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1c7d542&N=4294959029+4294966975&Nao=0&SelDim=4%7e&Ntt=lace+dress&hdnOnGo=true&NOffset=0&pagesize=1&SearchString=lace+dress&Ne=840+4+877+878+5+961+6+29+3+598+11+15+12+506+10+23+585+596+963+579+1031+8+1022+1014+586+1007+879+1027+18+904+903+969+833+949&SO=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=searchresults
        a pinkish red: http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1c7d542&N=4294959029+4294966975&Nao=0&SelDim=4%7e&Ntt=lace+dress&hdnOnGo=true&NOffset=0&pagesize=1&SearchString=lace+dress&Ne=840+4+877+878+5+961+6+29+3+598+11+15+12+506+10+23+585+596+963+579+1031+8+1022+1014+586+1007+879+1027+18+904+903+969+833+949&SO=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=searchresults

    3. Speaking of Anthro clothes – I’m curious if there are any big/mid law lawyers here who incorporate Anthro dresses/skirts into their work wardrobe. Suggestions? I love their clothes, but many of their cutest pieces seem a bit too retro/girlie for the law office.

      1. Yes, I do (well, I did in my biglaw days – these days I have a very flexible dress code). I have incorporated skirts and tops with success, but generally not their dresses. The trick is to use only one Anthro piece, and keep the rest of your outfit very conservative. For instance, if wearing a bright red Anthro pencil skirt, wear a very conservative black/white top and blazer.

        However, YMMV if you are a junior associate, where in my experience dress code is very much more conservative than in the more senior ranks.

      2. Scarves and jewelry might be a way to go. Some of their jackets are also tailored very nicely and on an otherwise tailored and conservative outfit would look great, IMO.

      3. yes. midlaw here. anthro has a lot of great jackets. anthro skirts i save for weekends, but their dresses can work on office days if styled appropriately. i also wear a lot of marc by mj blouses for interest — much the same way — with otherwise conservative pieces.

      4. mostly i will wear their tops/blouses, but not skirts etc. they still have that girlie/retro feel, but just in a smaller dose.

      5. I have this challenge as well, especially with dresses which I end up loving and have a hard time finding an occasion to wear them since they generally don’t work for work, with a few exceptions. That being said, I have sweaters, blouses and jackets that I’ve managed to pair with more conservative items that I really like. But head to toe anthro is a little too sweet for my tastes anyway.

    4. Ru, any chance you saw this one in store? http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=21281779&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&navAction=top&navCount=30&color=079&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES-PRINTED&templateType=subCategory

      I wonder how it looks in person. I keep not making it to the store, but am nervous to pull the trigger online . . .

      PS: Assuming it looks as pictured, I totally think that styled with a conservative cardigan or blazer and nice shoes, this could be wholly appropriate for a casual day at the office (or at least in my office).

      1. Sorry, AIMS, I don’t recall seeing it but the Roosevelt Field store is well-stocked. There were just so many bright colors in the store. If this dress were jersey or had some stretch in it, I’d say pass but the silk and cotton fabrics were really well done across the board.

        1. Thanks. I’m glad to hear the good reviews. So much of Anthro’s stuff is hit or miss. I think this is inspiring me to get my butt to the store!

  12. This posting has inspired me to try my petal-collared shirt with a big belt! I love the shirt, but it tends to look a little costumy/ ladies-who-lunch. This picture makes me think a wide belt will drag it into the 21st century.

    1. I’m wearing such an outfit today — extra long charcol wide leg pants (w/extra high heels), black and white patterned petal collard shirt untucked with a big white belt and a red slim cardigan.

    2. I’m glad to read this, src, mainly b/c I love the dress but can’t afford it. Your post about being inspired to take this belted look to your petal-collared shirt inspires me to see how I could incorporate this look and the other items I see here but can’t afford or that don’t come in my size. I suppose that’s the whole point of the blog! Thanks for the reminder!

  13. Looks like this dress has a self belt, which I like better…but in general I don’t really like belts, so I wonder how it would look without. Love the collar/neckline!!!!
    http://bit.ly/jWI9kb

    1. Wow, this dress is basically sold out at Nordstroms. Glad to know that the economy is fully recovered.

  14. Ah finally a dress that hits the knees. Enough already with the unprofessional mid-thigh length.
    Now…how soon until Black Halo copies this dress and sells it for $180?

  15. Any tips on how to delay responding to an offer? Hoping to give my current employer more time to come up with a competing proposal.

    1. No tips here but am wondering how you broke the news to current employer/suggested that you would consider a competing proposal.

      1. I’m really lucky to report to someone who is an AMAZING mentor to me. He mentioned the opening to me and a colleague at the same level since there are so few opportunities to advance in our particular field (editor position serving a very specific audience). Although when I told him, he didn’t seem to want me to leave. I know he is actively coming up with the competing proposal, since he gave some specific ideas he is floating with our COO this morning. I’m very torn as I love the people I work with (especially his leadership), have huge work/life balance by getting to work from home three days a week, and enjoy what I do. However, growth is limited and I’m not picking up any more professional skills. I like almost everything about the new job, except that it will require a one-hour commute both ways into the city. I’m not sure I want to join the corporate drudgery. I know that sounds lazy, but I’m 37 and realizing that happiness isn’t always that easy to find. I just hate to lose a really great situation and find I’m then stuck elsewhere. Best would be to stay where I am with some greater responsibilities (money isn’t all that different between the two).

        1. Definitely think twice before accepting the job with the huge commute. I think studies have shown that commuting is the single biggest happiness-sucker of all!

    2. I was in this situation before and I just asked for an extra week. I told them I needed to consider the logistics of the move more carefully and discuss wiht family (I would have been moving for the job). They gave me an absolute deadline, which I passed on to my employer.

      @Wanting to Move – in my case I was going to resign and my boss asked if I would consider a counteroffer. I said yes and later that day got a call from my boss’s boss asking me to meet with him. He basically asked me what I would need to make me stay. I asked for a little bit more salary-wise than what I wanted, and got what I wanted. I also asked my boss for a few improvements to my day-to-day work conditions and got those too.

  16. How should I put my current temp job on my resume? I’m working in a long-term temp position without an end date, and I’ve been there for a few months. Its the only temp job I’ve had and I got it through an agency. The place I am working would look impressive on my resume as would the work that I am doing.

    My current resume (without the temp job) has a line with the company name and then the line below has my job title. I was thinking of setting it up like this:

    Company Name
    Job Title, through Temp Agency

    Does that look appropriate? I spoke with my supervisor at the company and she didn’t know what the appropriate way to do it would be since I’m working for her but my checks come from the temp agency. I’m not sure how else to put it, and I think putting the temp agency’s name first would look less impressive.

    1. I don’t think you need to put the temp agency’s name. Instead I’d put:
      Company Name
      Job Title (Temporary Employee)

      From my perspective as someone who does hiring, it wouldn’t be of any interest to a future employer which agency got you the job, and we wouldn’t contact that agency for a reference but rather would contact the company. Putting the agency name would just confuse me if I were glancing quickly at a pile of resumes b/c it wouldn’t be entirely clear who you were working for. I don’t care who signed your checks.

      1. I agree with Eponine. I’ve always seen it just as she indicated with no reference whatsoever to the placement agency.

      2. Excellent. Thanks so much! I just assumed that I had to include it, but I’ll definitely put it as you suggested Eponine.

    2. I have never seen a resume that specified the temp or contracting agency worked through, unless the person was listing all engagements worked through a particular company (usually this only happens when it’s their own company).

    3. I have the same issue, but I chose to list the temp agency since a prospective employer may wish to confirm that employment. The firm where I was placed will have little record of me since I was simply a contractor. I didn’t want to have to explain later that I wasn’t *technically* an employee of the firm. On my resume I used the agency name and noted it was a placement at such-and-such firm, then included a description of the work I was doing during the placement.

      1. This is also what I did. I worked remotely with the client’s attorneys (who also worked remotely from me), so no one at the “place where I worked” knew my name and may not have even known I existed. So I kept the agency in just in case. I also figured since it was the agency who paid me, they were technically my employer.

        1. I agree that this is the way to go when you’re a contractor and don’t work day-to-day at the company for an extended period of time. But when you’re a temp placed through an agency and you work for the same company with the same team for months, the reference will come from the company, not the temp agency.

  17. Has anyone bought a good purse/bag to carry while traveling and site-seeing lately? I need something for a trip this summer. I used to have the perfect fossil bag, but sadly many, many trips, it finally wore out. A look at the current fossil collection suggests they may not quite have what I’m looking for, though I’m checking ebay. I’m looked for something large enough to fit a wallet, small guide book, small camera, sunglasses case, and water bottle (and possibly a lightweight sweater, though I can just tie that around it if need be), but not so bulky that it’s a pain to lug around all day. Preferably cross body and it must zip close (to deter pickpockets, or more likely, me being an idiot and letting something important slide out and not realizing it). Ideally some sort of cloth rather than leather, since I always worry sticking a water bottle in a leather bag will ruin it (and I cloth is easier to clean), and preferably under $50 since I’ll likely only use this while traveling.

    1. I love LeSportsac.

      I also love Kleen Kanteen – their water bottles with a loop cap are absolutely spillproof.

      1. I second LeSportsac. They are also very lightweight so they don’t add to the weight of the bag. And they have styles that have a million pockets.

      2. This is the bag I was thinking of:

        http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7507_2116.html

        Comes in a million patterns, can be worn over the shoulder or cross body, has several pockets for organization, very lightweight and is machine washable. It is a little more than you were looking to spend but it will last for years.

        1. I bought this bag (in one of the patterns still for sale) for a spring trip this year. I agree with the other comments. The bag itself is lightweight, I wore it cross-body so my hands were free, and the multitude of pockets was so helpful. Good stuff.

    2. LeSportsac fits all of your criteria, and they have a pretty wide range of patterns so it can be as fun/subtle as you like. The material is really durable but lightweight. I’ve traveled with this bag before: http://goo.gl/Z3p1s , and this one looks like a smaller similar bag: http://goo.gl/oGyvm

      If you’re not picky about the pattern, I’ve also regularly seen these at TJMaxx. Happy travels!

    4. This is slightly different than Fossil or LeSportsac (both of which I really like), but my all-time favourite, and in my view the most suitable sort of thing for serious travel, is this:

      http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441773379&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699955

      There is also a larger size, but I like this because it has five pockets of various kinds (including a secret passport pocket), lots of zippers, is sturdily made, can fit water + book + wallet, but is not so big that if you fill it up with stuff it will be too heavy to comfortably carry. Plus, the price is right.

      Now, if you aren’t in Canada, which I don’t think you are, you might consider looking in REI for the same sort of thing. Obviously this doesn’t score high fashion points, but in my view functionality wins out over fashion in a travel scenario…

    5. I got a Fossil Key Per and took it on a recent trip to Europe. Size and weight were perfect, and I got in a multicolor so I could wear it with anything. First and only thing I’ve purchased from Fossil; I always had attitude about the brand based on the mostly-dowdy looking accessories I’d see displayed at their outlets. But this bag converted me. It’s like a less expensive Orla Keily.

      http://www.zappos.com/fossil-key-per-crossbody

    6. I actually found my best tourist bag (in black corduroy) that meets all your criteria from Old Navy – it’s perfect for playing tourist because I’m never worried about messing it up – since it was only $15…

    7. I have a couple of the Tumi Quintessential Totes and love them for traveling and for every day casual when I need a roomy bag. They are nylon so very lightweight and water bottle friendly, have durable leather straps, come in lots of beautiful colors, and manage to look fantastic no matter now badly I treat them. They zip completely closed (I’m paranoid about this, too!), and have good organization inside with a couple of roomy pockets on the outside for plane tickets or whatever. They are big enough to fit anything I want to drag around while traveling or sightseeing, including a sweater, without being overwhelmingly big. They are also big enough to easily hold a laptop and a few letter-sized files so I do use them for work stuff, too.

      They retail for around $200, which I realize is more than your $50 price point, but I’ve not paid more than $100 for any of them because it’s pretty easy to find them on sale as the colors come and go. I’d suggest just Googling “Tumi Quintessential Tote” and see what pops up (not to be confused with the “Tumi Quintessential Shopper” which has shorter straps). Zappos usually has at least one color on sale at any given time (though unfortunately not now). I think Rue had them this past Thursday or Friday, but I don’t see them now after a quick check so I guess they’ve cycled off.

      No, I don’t work for, nor am I affiliated with, Tumi. I’m just in serious love with these bags. Because of the durability, lining and inside organization, they have completely replaced the black hole nylon Longchamp bags I carried around for years.

      1. I have a Tumi Quintessential Tote that I bought on Ruelala (they may even have a Tumi boutique going right now) for $100. I use it every day as my laptop bag for work and take it with me every time I travel as my carry-on. The best tote bag that I’ve ever purchased.

      3. As it happens, I passed the Tumi store in Grand Central today and noticed they had a bag on sale for $100 that looked just about perfect. I was about to ask what people thought of their quality, and you’ve beaten me to it. I may have spend more than intended if they’re going to last a while…

        1. and gilt is having a Tumi sale on Thursday. I’ll wait and see if I can pick one up cheaper then.

    8. I just bought this one from REI for a trip later this year and love it:
      http://www.rei.com/product/786592/overland-equipment-bayliss-shoulder-bag-womens
      If you want something similar with more space, you can try this one:
      http://www.rei.com/product/786598/overland-equipment-donner-bag-womens

      The reviews are all excellent for both bags. Of course, my traveling is more adventure travel with light city sight-seeing so I was looking for something more utilitarian rather than chic but based on your description it sounds like this is what you are aiming for as well – and the quality looks top notch, in my opinion.

    9. I would highly recommend timbuk2 bags. Yes, their standard messenger bag is everywhere, but that’s because it is indestructible. They are water resistant, which I always like when traveling. I have the tote bag, but I know they have tons of styles that might work for you.

    10. Longchamp Le Pliage (i think) – I picked the large size which has a decent shoulder strap.

  19. Nordstrom’s Update (& a question) – I finally got the CE Sidewalk Stripe suit that SF Bay and a few others have discussed in earlier posts. Love the pants and the skirt should be coming today. The jacket (336833) fits like a glove, but it’s a few inches longer than most of my suit jackets – it’s about two inches away from completely covering my rear. I was considering having it taken up so it’s just below the hips, as seen on the model in the picture, but the Nordstrom’s tailor said this would ruin the line of the jacket and make me look short and round. Have any other short/short-waisted Corporettes had a similar experience with this or any other jacket? Any recommendations?

    1. I had a jacket that I thought was a bit long and I wanted the tailor to take it in on the bottom, and he told me the same thing. When they reconstruct it, there’s no way for them to get it to look the same as it did off the rack, since it’s not like they can just hem it. Everything on the jacket is proportional, so if you take it up on the bottom then everything else has to move up to really make it look right, including the darting, etc.

      I just left the bottom of the jacket long and now I think it looks better that way. :-)

    2. I’ve all but given up on jackets in non-petite sizes for that same reason. I was trying on the same jacket in misses and petite at ann taylor loft and while the difference between the two was subtle, it was noticable enough that it reminded me why I buy petite jackets and tailored tops. When things are too long, it overwhelms my frame and I look dumpy (or like I’m playing dress up in grown up clothes).

  20. Here are a couple wallet-friendly options in this beautiful color:
    http://www.bluefly.com/Ellen-Tracy-spearmint-seamed-cap-sleeve-shift-dress/cat20102/313541701/detail.fly?referer=ca_shopping&cm_mmc=ca_shopping-_-na-_-womens_dresses_day-_-313541701&mr:referralID=80c9ce23-95e5-11e0-891e-001b2166c2c0
    http://www.bluefly.com/bcbgmaxazria-emerald-green-silk-wrap-dress/PRODUCT_FEED/309567402/detail.fly?referer=ca_froogle&cm_mmc=ca_froogle-_-BCBGMAXAZRIA-_-womens_dresses_day-_-309567402

      1. I LIVE in my Ellen Tracy pinstripe sheath. It’s made of some suiting like material and washable!!

  21. Even though it is green, I absolutely love this. I wonder where one can find the belt. Gorgeous.

    And belated Congratulations Kat!

  22. threadjack:

    I’m looking for casual weekend skirts that are long enough for a tall person (I’m 5’10”) – knee length. Not gypsy/boho full skirts. I love a denim pencil skirt but they’re all 3 – 4 inches above my knee this year.

    Any help from the tall ladies? I’m on the larger side of misses or the smaller side of plus (in some labels.)
    Thanks in advance.

    1. Boden offers many things in “long” sizes. I’m 5’7 and a “long” dress I recently ordered hit me an inch or two below the knee.

      1. Thank you! I really like that button-front denim pencil and it’s 26″ long in tall!!!!!

        I might just order it.

        1. I googled for a coupon code at Boden

          I found
          S3AF
          for 25% off and free shipping and it worked. Yippee!

  23. Anyone a fan of wearing linen dresses to work? I’ve seen a few options that look nice and I was just wondering about care and comfort of such items?

    1. I wear a lot of linen pants. Linen’s great in the summer, but it wrinkles (and it is supposed to wrinkle). You can get them pressed and starched but it’ll only help up to a point. Generally I think linen is great for a tropical climate, but in more formal areas where you’re expected to look neatly pressed, it’s not a good option.

    3. I recently bought a linen skirt in horizontal stripes. The stripes mask the wrinkling so I get the benefit of the fabrication w/o the visual issues.

    4. Several years ago I banned any more linen pants/skirts/dresses in my wardrobe because half-way through the day I felt it looked like I had taken a nap in it. That being said, I have a couple of linen jackets I love. I think they stay crisper because they are more structured to begin with and I’m not sitting on them.

    5. I’d go for a linen blend…less wrinkles. I have 2 pairs trousers and a dress (all blends) that are great. Go for it!

  24. Helloooooo Michelle Obama! Lovely sheath, fabulous belt– can’t deny the First Lady’s influence here!

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