Wednesday’s Workwear Report: Stretch-Cotton Pleated-Waist Top
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
This top from Banana Republic seems like a fun option if you’re looking for a not-so-basic white shirt. I like the shape and the buckle at the back. It feels a little bit safari-inspired and reminds me of some of the earliest Banana Republic designs. (Sometimes I take a look at the old catalogs on eBay for fun.) The closest I’ve come to a safari lately is driving my SUV through the Adirondacks while herds of deer flank me on either side, but I still like the vibe.
The shirt is $120 at Banana Republic and comes in sizes XXS-XXL. It also comes in navy, chickpea tan, and olive green.
Sales of note for 8/10:
- Ann Mashburn – Seasonal sale, up to 50% off – we just included them in our updated Top 10 Brands for Comfortable Heels!
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase, $99 dresses, and extra 60% off clearance — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it's a great separate)
- Anthropologie – Extra 40% off sale!
- Bare Minerals – Free shipping over $50! Love their Love thir OG Mineral Veil setting powder
- The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns (new lines added)
- J.Crew – Up to 30% off
- J.Crew Factory – 50% off sitewide
- J.McLaughlin – Summer sale, up to 50% off
- Lilysilk – Anniversary sale, save up to 70%
- Madewell – Up to 30% off
- Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added, exclusively online)
- M.M.LaFleur – End of season sale! (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Nordstrom Rack – Clearance, new markdowns up to 75% off! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
- Saks Fifth Avenue – Up to $500 off your purchase! Great selection of Veronica Beard, L'Agence, Vince, and more.
- Talbots – Semi-annual red door sale, 50-60% off all markdowns, and free shipping on 150+.
- Theory – End of season sale is on! Love all the colors their best-selling sweater tee comes in, and some colors are on sale.
A friend who is preppy said that her dad never drank anything but white liquor in the summer (e.g., gin and tonics). It seemed a bit like I always intuited this, like an Old Fashioned is just too heavy of a drink when it’s 95 and humid outside. A margarita would be better IMO. I grew up in a family that didn’t really drink much and then had a canned beer budget for a long time. But for having a summer party, this is the way to go, no? Will still have cold beer though :)
WASPs do drink a wild amount, yes. It’s actually unbelievable how much they can put away and still function.
Idk maybe my palate is unrefined but I’ve never subscribed to the concept of broad beverage categories and whether they are appropriate. Some specific pairings are of course super good (like that particular red with that particular cheese, or that stout beer in front of a fireplace). But often I very much enjoy something that breaks some which-drink-when rule.
I wouldn’t host a party with mostly liquor, and I grew up pretty preppy. Just not willing to encourage that level of liability. Beer is a much safer choice.
But the light vs dark liquor in the summer. What of that? Is this where light vs dark rum matters (IDK what dark rum is like but have seen it; grew up thinking it was just another white liquor).
Corn liquor is white, no? Kidding. Don’t do that.
Yes, that’s the right way to think about cocktails.
Some people stick to their preferred drink no matter what, but I drink more white wine in summer than red. For a party, I would have beer, some surf sides, wine, and a cocktail like gin and tonic or a pitcher of margaritas with lime slices for garnish. Another summer type drink is mojitos with fresh mint.
I agree- just like I don’t want a hearty beef stew in the summer, I don’t want a heavier / richer tasting drink.
Personally I prefer tequila-soda with lime or Palomas to margs – margs go over-sugary so easily.
I see this as a rule based on tradition and it carries the same weight as the rule about not wearing white before Memorial Day nor after Labor Day. Depending on your circle it may be a social faux pas to break the rules, but practically they don’t really matter. If you offer up a pitcher of peach bourbon smash at your summer BBQ, I’ll happily enjoy it and not judge.
Personally, I love a good oatmeal stout in the summer and do get teased about it being a winter beverage. Same with IPAs being more suitable for summer.
Can a resident lesbian share any tea on why Brandi Carlile has postponed her tour?