ByKat Hours Updated
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Suit of the Week: Armani

Armani Collezioni Crepe Jersey Fitted One Button JacketFor busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits for women, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional. Armani has been killing it lately with beautiful, feminine suits. I love this crêpe jersey one with peak lapels, a slit peplum, and what looks like a double layer effect (from the peplum) in the back. I like that it's paired with a simple pencil skirt, too. The whole effect is classy and professional, yet feminine and pretty — lovely. The jacket (Armani Collezioni Crepe-Jersey Fitted One-Button Jacket) is $1395, and the skirt (Armani Collezioni Crepe-Jersey Pencil Skirt) is $475). Here's a less-expensive option (try code EXTRA25 to get an extra 25% off everything) and a plus-size skirt suit and pants suit. armani feminine suit

Sales of note for 12.5

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

81 Comments

  2. I love this suit – it is just beautiful – but it breaks my heart that straight sizes get Armani and plus sizes get Jessica London. Armani: I would buy this suit if you sold it in my size. I really would. Don’t you want my $1800?

    1. I like everything about it except how wide the chest/neck opening is. I don’t know if the jacket would look appropriate on busty me.

      1. It’s funny you say that, because I am pretty flat (34A or AA) and I thought the opening wouldn’t be flattering for me either.

      2. I actually like the cut of this jacket because I find that this cut is usually accommodating to my bust, fit-wise, which is rare. Moschino has a lot of jackets with this cut and they work very well for me. I’m going to look busty regardless of what I wear, so if it fits, I go for it.

      3. Agree that the wide cut area might not be flattering on my busty frame. Or gape weirdly. But OH! what a lovely suit.

  3. I have no idea what this fabric would feel like.

    Jersey — check
    Crepe — check

    It could be ponte-like or something else.

  4. I have a DVF pencil (non-wrap) dress that is just too long for me (it hits mid-calf, but I’m 5-4). It doesn’t have a slit, so while it makes me look like a tall, lean glass of water, I can’t walk around at my preferred long-striding NYC speed. Think more like Peg Bundy.

    I want to hem it to just below the knee (so a few inches). Do DVF dresses that are silk jersey hem well? I am concerned that the cure may be worse than the disease if I somehow ruin the dress.

    [This may be the fault of too many Antiques Road Show episodes, where people try to clean an antique and ruin it to the tune of several decimal places in value.]

    1. I have not had a DVF dress, but a competent tailor should be able to hem silk jersey.

    2. Would you consider have a vent put in on one of the seams (back seam or one of the side seams)? Otherwise, yes – a tailor could definitely hem silk jersey.

  5. I have spent over 30 billable hours drafting a letter to a client. It has been revised several times. The senior partner has significantly changed the assignment/approach 3 times. Each time, the junior partner said – don’t worry this is how he works, he won’t know what he wants until he sees it. Did I mention that the letter is only 8 pages long? Kill me now.

    2. That’s a really long letter. An hour/page/approach? That actually doesn’t seem terribly out of line in terms of time for drafting. But still, yikes.

    4. Do you watch Mad Men? This reminds me of a lot of what happens at the ad agency.

      1. I love mad men! Maybe I just need a bottle (bucket?) of whiskey in my office. Thanks for all the responses-sometimes it’s nice just to complain/commiserate. Love the community here. Ok – back to revision #7235475.

    5. Welcome to my world. I am just thankful that I am salaried so the partner has to take the hit when those hours aren’t billed to the client. But it also means that there is no way I will get my negotiated bonus this year. Grr.

    6. That reminds me of a pitch book that got to version 71 when I was in banking. German MD wanted it his way, British MD, his way. Back and forth for 71 versions. Living the dream.

    1. Marissa Nelson at XOXO Therapy. Her website positions her as a couples therapist, but she’s a great individual therapist as well.

    2. The most common fed health plan is BCBS so I would guess most providers in the DC area would accept it.

  7. What are your go-to outfits? Any multi-purpose items or combinations of items that you rewear frequently for a variety of events/situations? I need some inspiration.

    1. I’ve been doing a lot of dark blue/navy tops paired with black bottoms. I think it looks sleek, but is a little more interesting than all black. My office is business casual and my go-to outfit is a pencil skirt with a fancy t-shirt, sometimes with an unmatching blazer.

      1. What are your favorite brands for fancy t-shirts? How fancy are we talking? Silk Equipment tees?

        1. Not very fancy, in my case. Really anything that feels a little silkier and drapes well. I got two of these recently, in navy and winter white, and they’re on super sale now:

          http://www.anntaylor.com/mixed-media-tee/328623?colorExplode=false&skuId=16587441&catid=cat1880026&productPageType=search&defaultColor=6600

          I’ve gotten some at H&M that I really like too. I wish I could convince myself to buy Equipment tees, but I just can’t bring myself to pay over $100 for a t shirt.

      2. Currently wearing a black and white snake and leopard print silk Joie blouse (sounds crazy but the print is actually pretty understated for animal print) with a burgundy/garnet No 2 wool pencil from J.Crew and black cole haan heels. I sometimes add my black theory blazer to this outfit with the sleeves rolled up to show the black/white lining. This is one of my go-to ensembles for when I need to go to networking events/lunches that don’t require a suit.

    2. Any kind of grey dress, with a colorful sweater, black tights, and black boots.

    3. Pencil skirt (usually a fun colored Halogen “Skirt”), silk blouse in contrasting fun color, black leather moto jacket and black patent heels. More or less jewelry depending on event. For more casual, perhaps boots instead of the heels.

    4. I’m in my winter go-to sweater right now, actually – a really pretty teal color with a slight V neck and cabling. Wearing it with black slacks today. My fall/winter ‘uniform’ tends towards dark slacks with bright sweaters, and flats or boots depending on just how cold it is outside.

  8. If I’m spending that kind of money on a suit, I wouldn’t be buying something that is so memorable — split peplum is not something one forgets. Then again, if I could afford to buy an $1800 suit, I suppose this wouldn’t be the only one in my closet.

    1. I never understand this sentiment with basic colored items, or even any colored basics. I would wear this suit once a week without thinking twice about it. I highly doubt anyone who would notice me would think anything other than “that’s a great suit!”

      The only time that I’ve noticed something as too memorable was with one coworker who always wore very conservative suits and then once a week she’d break out the same bright, floral skirt with a black blazer. But that was much more because it was just out of character for her and it was always once a week and always the same skirt. But others in my office dress like Rainbow Brite and their outfits, just like basic gray suits, tend to all run into a blur for me.

      1. Agreed. I think you could wear this twice per week without anyone batting an eye.

      2. Agreed. And if I did notice that you wore that suit twice a week every week, the only thing I would think is “Man, I wish I had a suit like that!”

    3. I also never understand, but for a different reason. basics, even a basic suit, are much easier to make and therefore easier to buy from lower end designers. the frills, bells, and whistles, however, are a lot more difficult to do well, so that is where I spend my money first.

      though this suit is like a beautiful basic with just a little something extra. its perfect. had I not just bought a lovely black hugo boss suit, I would certainly consider this.

    4. I love this suit. I, too, suffer from the worry that people will remember my clothes. To resolve this terrible woe that leads to inappropriate accumulation of sweaters and silk blouses, etc, etc, I ask myself, “do you remember what Mr. Associate wore yesterday? Ms. Partner? Ms. Paralegal? Nope nope nope. If you did, would you really care? Nope.”

    5. Depends on the office as to whether anyone will remember, but really, it doesn’t matter. I have a great floral blazer I adore, is very memorable, and wear probably once a week, but my coworkers say “I love that blazer every time you wear it!”

  9. Beautiful suit!

    Question: What minor / inexpensive change did you recently make that made a huge difference in your looks / perception / feeling?

    I just got contacts, after 5 years of wearing glasses every single day.
    I loved my glasses and all, and for all this time I thought I had no choice but to wear them.
    Duh…turns out there is another way…and I love my “new” look :)

        1. The eyebrows! Makes a huge difference, but until you try it, you can’t imagine how big a difference. Threading or waxing…it opens up your face.

    2. I did the oppos*te: contacts for 20 years and went to glasses. First out of medical necessity, and now because I feel like they actually make me look older and more authoritative.

      1. I second this! And carefully (!) warming it up with the blow dryer first makes an extra impact.

    4. I second this! And carefully (!) warming it up with the blow dryer first makes an extra impact.

    5. Daily contacts! Life changing! Even though I didn’t have to wear glasses all day every day but it made a huge difference.
      Botox. I just turned 30 and decided to try it and wow! The results are super subtle because I wanted to start out slow but I am definitely going back for more.

      1. Just started daily disposable contacts after decades of wearing contacts. It’s so nice to constantly have fresh lenses.

      2. If you don’t want to pay for daily disposables and aren’t already, using ClearCare made a huge difference in how clean my contacts felt (I use 2-week ones). It’s basically hydrogen peroxide–they have to sit for at least 6 hours in their special case, but it’s so much better than regular saline solution to me.

    6. Monthly facials. I don’t consider it inexpensive at $100 per month, but it is so worth it for me and my breakout-prone skin.

      1. Oh yes, have to make those regular.
        I just turned 30 and my skin got worse (oily and dry at the same time, breakouts…).

    7. Having my upper lip threaded (instead of using Nair). Love it, will never go back. Also, using prescription retinoids.

    9. I just discovered high-waisted jeans and am never going to wear any other kind again! I had no idea how much better they would work for me–much more flattering and more comfortable. I’m petite but I think I may have an exceptionally long torso, meaning low-rise or even mid-rise pants felt dangerously low and forced me to wear long shirts. I also have a high waist-to-hip ratio and was constantly pulling my pants up, even with a belt. I urge everyone to at least try on a pair.

      1. This is also true for me as well. I got a pair last year at Madewell that I love. Do you have a brand you recommend? I need some backups!

        1. …Madewell. I’m sorry! I am not in the market for any more now, but am also interested in other good brands and will note good finds in the future.

        2. Paige Hidden Hills (any of theirs with two buttons at the waist). Have gotten some in the past as Nordstrom Rack

  10. This month has been a disaster of epic proportions. I’ve had serious and upsetting problems at work and home, with co-workers, friends, parents, dating, you name it. I can’t name anything positive about my life right now or anything I like about myself. I know the answer is therapy and maybe shots but just needed to let it out somewhere.

    1. Can you do something nice for someone else. Even simply make a donation or volunteer somewhere. That always make me feel better about myself.

    2. Add my name to the “Is October over yet?” list. This month has been ROUGH. I don’t normally believe in the whole “Mercury is retrograde” thing, but ugh.

    3. I’m less of an answer, and more of a tool. And really just a tool to get you to a place where you can let go of the worries temporarily and breathe. Yoga is great too if I’m not your jam.

      Or cleaning your bathroom sink. It only takes 10 mins and it means you’ve accomplished something good with your day.

      1. I love your conscientiousness. Please start consulting to liquor companies on their ad campaigns.

      2. +1 to cleaning the bathroom sink or whatever is dirty and has been bugging you!

        I actually scrubbed my kitchen floor on my hands and knees the other night because I just couldn’t stand it any more (construction dust, and mop still packed away), and it only took, like, 15 minutes and made SUCH a huge difference!

    4. This is going to sound a little crazy. But I’m kind of going through the same right now. I’m a huge dog lover. And when I’m at the edge of screaming or tears after a particularly stressful moment or exchange, I give myself permission to take a few moments to watch Maymo videos on YouTube. None are very long and I almost always laugh for a sec or smile. It’s literally stopped me from quitting my job in a rage a couple of times. If you can find something like this–something that just gives you a few moments of a mental break to think of something funny, or sweet, or innocent in this world–it can make a huge difference. I know it’s not doing the heavy lifting of what needs to be done–major overhaul in life to alter some of the stresses. But it’s enough sometimes. It’s no fun feeling stressed and miserable. Try to give yourself some distance, even if it’s just for a few moments, whenever you can.

      The other thing that helps me a lot is to make a list of some of the times where I’ve felt like I did something good or right or smart of whatever and then try to reflect on how I felt in those moments. Maybe even say a positive affirmation to yourself a few times that you are good at what you do, you are a good friend, you are a good daughter–whatever it is that has you feeling shaken. Having those little bursts of confidence can sometimes be the extra boost needed to plow through the day. If you have anyone you can commiserate with, that also helps me a lot. Also, try not to let circumstances change your view of yourself. I know in my heart that I’m a generally happy, friendly, funny, giving, smart person. Being mistreated by others or being put in really awful situations where you are called on to question your worth in some way or engage in toxic situations/conversations shouldn’t be allowed to shake this. I also try to seek out people who make me feel happy/recharged. The more you can put yourself in a happy/confident/relaxed frame of mind, the better you’ll start to feel.

    5. I’m going through more or less the same thing now. I feel like this isn’t going to be popular, so I’ll just say right now that I recognize it isn’t for everyone. Basically, I just focus on the things that need to get done and decide not to have any feelings about it. I made a list of things I want to accomplish (lose weight, goals at work, etc), make a list of steps I need to take to get there, and push ahead full steam until it’s done. I also try to keep my life & thoughts super compartmentalized, so whatever I’m doing, I’m only thinking about doing the best I can at that/getting the most out of it or whatever. Anyway, I find that this approach is very effective for me. I also think therapy is never a bad choice.

    6. October has been a sh!tstorm of epic proportions for me and mine. Can we just fast-forward through to the end of the month? -.-

  11. What’s Brooks Brothers sizing like in pants, and how well does it work for hourglass figures? If I wear a 00 curvy in AT and a 0 in BR, what should I order at BB?

    1. I’m curvy at BR and AT and have a pair of Caroline cut pants from BB. They fit well in the hips. A little baggy in the legs, which is typical for me though. I have the same size at BB that I do at Banana and AT.

  12. Looking for burgundy leggings (preferably cotton and seamless) but cannot tell online whether a pair is good or not. There are so so many options for leggings, but I cannot tell the cr@p from quality (this is my first pair of leggings since 1986!). If you have a pair of burgundy leggings that you lurve, please reply with the details.

    1. lysee (from Nordstrom) are the best leggings ever and I think they may come in burgundy.

  13. Ahhhh kat i don’t like these journelle lingerie ads! It’s awkward to have them pop up on the side and bottom at work.

    1. I don’t get those. I always get ads for whatever my latest google search was for. Right now it’s sports clothes from Athleta, but last week it was Zappos. I also have a Macy’s ad today.

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