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For 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.
I really like this suit, made of an unusual puckered wool blend. On the jacket, the details at the waist (and the three buttons!) look flattering and interesting, and I like the pleated, unvented back. As for the matching skirt and pants, they look simple and classic — the perfect thing to wear with or without the jacket. The jacket (Classiques Entier ‘Backside' Jacket) is $268, and the skirt (Classiques Entier ‘Bankside' Skirt
) is $148. The pants (Classiques Entier ‘Bankside' Pants
), not pictured, are $168.
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Amelia Bedelia
I adore this.
the colour AND the cut. I am beginning to really like the look of this line. They are professional and mostly simple (in a good way) while still carrying interesting details.
Can anyone speak for sizing? I am finally going to purchase one of these suits.
Wondering
Classiques Entier is my go to brand for suits and most business casual clothes. I think the brand especially works for women who have curvy hips/thighs/backside. In terms of sizing, I would say that it is similar to Banana or Ann Taylor. My experience is that they are cutting their tops more true to size – for example, I used to always be an XS in their tops (even though there is no way that I’m really an XS) and now I have to wear a S.
In terms of this actual suit, I saw it in the store over the weekend but did not try it on. There was something about the color that threw me off. I can’t say what it is exactly, but I didn’t find the color flattering to my caramel complexion.
I also LOVE the fact that their skirts always have 2-3 inches of fabric that you can let out if you want to lengthen the hem.
Selia
I love this brand, and the tops – sweaters, shells, jackets – fit me wonderfully. I consider myself “thin curvy”, meaning I am quite flat chested with broad shoulders and a small waist, but with thicker hips, thighs, and seat compared to my waist. With that said, I found the pants to be problematic for me – they seemed more straight-legged and did not fit well through the thighs, unless I got a bigger size that was then several inches too big in the waist! But, this is a common problem for me. Tailoring, in my case, is key. Definitely worth trying on to see how it works with your body type. I do like the quality of the brand very much and have several jackets and sweaters.
new to this
Did you get tailored there at Nordstrom? How does that work exactly? You ask the associate for tailoring and they send someone in with a tape and pins? (I miss my big-city tailor)
SSJD
Yes, I’ve had tailoring done right in the dressing room at Nordstroms. The sales woman calls the tailoring department, they send in a woman with pins and needles, and she pins the item while you have it on. Then you pay for it, and leave it behind to be tailored. In my case, I came back about a week later to pick up the altered item.
Wondering
If you buy the item full price, Nordstrom tailoring is free. They do a great job.
b23
Sometimes they’ll do it for free even if you got it on sale! I’ve had two very awesome salespeople cut off the sale tag right there without me even asking so that the tailors would do it for free.
SSJD
Note that not all alterations at Nordstrom are free. I think that standard things (like shortening pants) might be free with full priced purchases. When I had a CE dress taken in under the armpit it was NOT free. (I was paying full price for the item–it wasn’t on sale.)
The Nordstrom website says the following: “Fees for this service are determined after the item has been fitted, based on the complexity of your request. Select services are free on full-priced merchandise.”
Honey Bear
Agreed – I’ve had things tailored before at Nordstrom and have always been so happy with their service.
Scully
Agree. I have a similar body type and CE suits fit the best. Love this pick!
Clerky
I have the exact body shape as you except I have more narrow shoulders. CE’s pants work great on my figure. The ones that fit me best are the wide legged pants they have from time to time. Perhaps you could try those?
Selia
That’s true – different pant styles within the same brand will definitely fit differently! I don’t think I have tried any wide leg styles, but will give them a try!
Nalini
C Entier pants never fit me bc I have a high waist and a long rise – I reccommend St Johns ‘Diana’ pant. It’s the bulletproof size 14 pant for the tall girl with a full bottom – and its wide leg. The Donna Karan look for less.
I do like C Entier for shells but sometimes their design with side zip’s requires a valet to get it on.
Instead I go for the Armani look – ballet neckline black tees with elbow length sleeves. And hey – machine washable.
meara
Why is the jacket called “Backside” and the skirt and pants “Bankside”?! It made me giggle, thinking the jacket was a typo, but it’s not!
Delta Sierra
Apparently CE isn’t aware that ‘backside’ is Britspeak for ‘ass’.
SSJD
I have had great experience with the Classiques Entier line (a Nordstrom-only brand). The sizing is pretty standard. One thing my personal stylist pointed out to me is that the related Classiques Entier Atelier line is a bit more, how should we say, mature. Therefore, the sizing in that line is a bit more generous.
I think this suit is lovely.
Wondering
Agreed. I love CE but the CEA line is very matronly.
SF Bay Associate
Agreed, CE is my go-to as well, but not CEA, which is super high waisted with boxy, shorter jackets.
I love this suit, but I wish it came in another color since I don’t do brown.
shrink
I second the need for other colors! Just back from my b&m Nordies to pre shop before my sizes are gone in next week’s sale. They have black, grey, navy, and pinstripe pieces in CE and CEA in store. Some on sale too.
Agree with CEA being more boxy in the jackets. Spied this one and leapt upon it, being >50% off in store! Only two on the rack. Will spend the saved money (a bit) to nip in the waist. Lovely hand on both fabrics, nonetheless, I think it’s going to be a classic in my wardrobe for a long time to come.
classiques-entier-atelier-geological-jacquard-jacket/3144593?origin=category&resultback=1371
There also was a soft grey CE jacket (silver label, not black) that had a one button stance, flared/peplum back, 3/4 sleeves (which I don’t like but I bought it – shows you the cut and feel of it is great), and a medium solid grey coloring. It is called “ebony tonal” on the tag … CL236491MI if you are lucky enough to have the sales associate search it out for y ou. Smashing and classic I hope.
Honey Bear
What is the difference? Is there a difference in pricing?
Nalini
Nordstroms: May I reccommend, that rather than pre shopping, you actually devote a Saturday, go in and try on about 20 outfits given to you y your stylist? You must tell them what you are looking for and describe your waist (high or low, etc) and your inseam.
I tried on 25 outfits and bought 3 outfits. You must try the stuff on. Take almonds and take a pair of your standard heels and wear your fave Spanx. Pay for what you want now or they will hold it until the half off sale. Oh yes they will….
Kathy
I just purchased a similar skirt suit from this brand (Nordstrom’s own high-end clothing line). I love it and have received many compliments on it already. High quality fabric and construction. I also bought a suit in their mid-range line (Halogen) and have no complaints about that one either. Both fit true to size, at least in my experience (usual size 2, no tailoring needed).
Delenn
Like.
Anon
Question – what would you think about wearing a suit of this color to an interview in a non-super-conservative type of office, say, academia (law school or otherwise).
D
I would say it’s totally fine, especially in the summer.
b23
I think it’s totally fine too. I don’t think interview suits must be black, navy, or gray.
TCFKAG
I should say — at a non-conservative place, you may even benefit from a non-conservative suit. My mom (a social worker) said that when they bring people in, she finds herself drawn to the people who wear a lighter or different colored suit.
I don’t know if this is universally true — but at least its a thought.
Nordies No-No
Nordstrom call on my cell phone at work to tell me of a sale on Zella products this weekend. Total fail.
I guard that number and have it on the DNC list. Only way they could have gotten it was from a home delivery that included Zella socks last fall.
I wonder how many other people during working hours are as annoyed by this? Have to think at a certain point you’re going to lose more customers than gain in sales this way.
OK–Rant over.
Eponine
Many retailers ask for your phone number when you make a purchase and link it to your account. Once you’ve given them your number, you have to tell them if you don’t want them to call you; otherwise they call you. Nordstrom actually uses your number so they can look up your account and all your past purchases – for instance, to verify the price of something you bought a year ago and no longer have a receipt for but want to return. Any chance you could have given them the cell number, and not told them not to call you?
You probably know this, but DNC list doesn’t apply if you gave them your number.
eaopm3
I love this suit. I am a little broke, but may have to make an exception and buy all the pieces…
Can anyone tell the tall ladies how long the pants run for this line? I see that they are a 34 inch inseam, but I would need to let them out so they were longer. Finished or unfinished hem?
Bonnie
The hims are usually finished.
Sale watcher
What are the chances this will be included in the upcoming sale?
Nancy P
Ditto! Watching for the sale like a hawk.
Amelia Bedelia
don’t you get a price adjustment if it is in the sale? I thought that was how it worked . . .
Sale watcher
Good point, A.B.- I’d forgotten about that!
Bridget
Question on dry cleaning instructions: I have a sweater that says it can be hand washed in cold water or dry cleaned. What are people’s general experiences with washing vs. dry cleaning? I love the sweater, so I’m thinking I should dry clean it, but I’ve always wondered. Thanks!
Alex
I generally wash hand wash sweaters in the gentle cycle (clearly not by hand!) and air dry, and they are fine. Thus, I would say that if you hand wash, it should be okay. What’s the fabric? That might make a difference.
MelD
What is the material? If it is wool, you should hand wash in the sink/bathtub (even gentle can felt the wool). If it is silk/rayon, you can wash it on gentle in the washing machine and hang it to dry. I don’t send any of my sweaters to the dry cleaner. If you are worried about embellishments, just turn the sweater inside out or put it in a larger lingerie bag in the washing machine.
AIMS
I wash all my sweaters. Cold water, woolite, and lay flat to dry on a towel.
I remember seeing a great “how-to” from Martha Stewart, I will see if I can find a link to post.
AIMS
http://www.marthastewart.com/269539/washing-sweaters-and-delicates
PS: I am not nearly this precise (I do not measure my sweaters!), but I do follow the basic steps (swish, not srub; gently squeeze dry, not wring) and it always turns out fine.
Nalini
How do you have the time for this?
SSJD
Definitely wash it. You could do it by hand. I’ve had good luck using the gentle cycle on my washing machine. Thelaundress.com has great instructional videos that gave me the confidence to start machine washing even my dry clean items. Note, if it says “dry clean” that does not mean “dry clean only”. I now machine wash my silks, wools, synthetics, etc.
Dry cleaning is expensive, chemically, bad for the environment, and often doesn’t really remove the dirt. I avoid it as much as possible.
lawtalkinggirl
I handwash my wool and cashmere sweaters in cold water with shampoo. It rinses out better than Woolite, and it’s less expensive if you get the $1 per bottle shampoo.
PollyD
I have successfully hand-washed with Woolite and dried flat many a cashmere sweater.
I have a silk shirt, it’s sort of t-shirt style, so no buttons, but woven, not knit. The tag says “dry clean” but not “dry clean ONLY.” I am wondering if I can handwash it. Any suggestions.
kz
Is it pure silk? I’ll handwash pure silk tops even if they say dry clean.
PollyD
Seems to be pure silk. I may try washing. Thanks!
kz
I handwash sweaters with woolite and dry on one of the sweater drying racks. I once considered washing them on gentle, but my mother’s (much nicer than mine) washing machine has two completely separate cycles for “gentle” and “handwash,” leading me to believe that even gentle may not be ok.
Nalini
OK try this – look at your gym for the hand held steamer. I noticed that my gym had a garmet steamer in the ladies room. Just take a sweater wih you from work, steam it and hang it and carry it out the door or wear it out. Freebie!
EPLawyer
How sad is it that I look forward to Wednesdays solely to see the “suit of the week?”
AIMS
You’re not alone. Nice suits are really hard to find!
I also look forward to reading the new Dan Savage column on Wednesdays, so it’s an all around good day for me :)
AT
And Frugal Traveler in NYT!
Anonymous
does anyone know about the placing of the top button on the jacket? i am large-chested and am concerned that the top button might be too high up… thanks!
Nalini
Should be located right under the boobs. Make sure you get a killer bra and a killer fitting once a year for this to work.
Also, only the shoulders MUST fit. The rest should be tailored by your tailor outside of Nordies if you don’t want to “pay”.
A good tailor can add princess seaming, darts, etc.
Another reason to try a wrap jacket or go to Lafayette 148.
Chix Pix
I think that a back-interest jacket like this looks great in court.
Speaking of Nordies
PSA – Nordstrom Rack in Cherry Hill, NJ opened last week! I ducked in briefly and saw that they had an amazing selection of premium denim jeans, among other things.
Anon
Where is it? Cherry Hill is my new fave mall, but sadly I live far away and only get back occasionally.
Achy backy
Threadjack: Have any of you used a “stand up” desk? I’m thinking about getting one and would love to hear if anyone else has made the switch. My job requires me to pretty much be tied to my desk the 8-9 hours/day at my office. Because of the nature of my job I don’t normally take a lunch break — I take lunch at my desk while doing work. I take brief walking/stretching breaks every 1-1.5 hours, and I have a curved keyboard and headset for my phone, but lately I’ve been getting increasingly sore in my hips, back, legs, etc. and it’s just really uncomfortable to be sitting down, even when I do the whole “correct posture” thing. So, all of this, along with the latest “SITTING will KILL YOU!!!!!” panic studies that have been released, have gotten me thinking about getting a desk that lets me work standing up. Ideally I could also get a stool/high-profile chair so that I’d be able to sit if necessary/desired.
I believe that my office environment is such that I could get this kind of desk without causing too much trouble/attention.
Any Corporettes have any experience on this? Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
cbackson
I have a stand-up desk and it is my very favorite thing in the entire world. I have bad sciatica from running, and it has been dramatically reduced by use of the standing desk. I also just feel better, generally. In fact, I’m standing at it as I type this!
cbackson
I should add that my office set me up with two monitors, so I can move from sitting to standing seamlessly. You use one docking station and some kind of splitter cable thingy.
Laura #2
Just make sure you have the ability to sit if you need to sit. Standing for 8-9 hours straight will be hard on you if you’re not used to it. Otherwise, I’d say go for it! I used to have a standing desk and really enjoyed it–I think it helped me avoid the after-lunch slump.
Depending on how long you plan on standing (and what your office floor is like), you might consider an anti-fatigue mat, too–they provide an extra layer of cushioning that can make a difference if your floor is on the harder side.
Kanye East
I have one, too. Love it.
Maybe if I’d gotten it 10 years ago I wouldn’t have needed back surgery…
N
My desk is adjustable – can be used to sit by and stand at. I’m not nearly as good at remembering to stand as I should be, but I do love that it has the ability to change.
What I also have, that I really recommend, is a mat to stand on. So, if I decide to stand, I’m not standing on the relatively hard floor all day.
My mat is a soft rubber mat, with different shaped circles that “massage” the sole of the foot. It’s fantastic.
ABC
On a semi-related note, I stopped shopping at Saks when they required that I give them my address to buy a pair of gloves during Christmas time. Walked out of the store empty handed.
ABC
Hah, this was in response to Nordies No-No’s comment above but since my one post every other month is apparently too frequent, it was misplaced when I tried to resubmit! Love technology.
MelD
What really annoys me is when they ask for my email address, I say they already have it, and they demand it again. Usually I refuse at that point. I have no problem asking for a zip code for demographic information (fairly common at the outlet malls) but why they must get your email address every. single. time. is beyond me.
Oneanon
I always say “no thank you” when asked for my address/phone/email, and I’ve never been challenged on my refusal.
another anon
This is what I do too, though I have been tempted to say “867-5309” when asked for my phone number :)
Mir
I walked out of DSW for this once. I politely declined to give personal information beyond zipcode, and the girl ringing up my order started berrating me for not giving my address in a snarky tone: “What, you don’t like saving money? The only thing we use it for is coupons. Who doesn’t like coupons?” I left 3 pairs of shoes on the counter.
houda
I say: I’m visiting from overseas :) no zip code
This sentence completely shifts the discussion as they start asking questions about my country etc.
Nalini
Houda, just say you travel for business. Some women use a PO box…lol.
EC
I always politely say, “I’m sorry, I don’t give out personal information.” I’ve done it at stores that ask for my phone number, my e-mail address (even Saks), and sometimes my zip code (if I’m using a credit card). I’ve never had any problems or push back.
I guess if they got really pushy, I’d tell them I don’t have an e-mail address.
Cat
I almost left an Ann Taylor for that reason too. Salesgirl asked for my email address at checkout. I said, oh I’d rather not. She said, “well the computer asks me for it for everyone, we like to keep track of buying habits to send promotions.” Of all the ways NOT to convince me. I didn’t say anything back other than “oh, no thanks” and kind of looked at her b/c I thought she would move right along, but she didn’t, and I actually had to say “are you telling me I have to give it to you to check out?” “Oh! Well no…”
Sheesh.
MJ
There was a recent ruling in CA that forbids this practice. Ruling was on Williams Sonoma’s asking for your email and zip…so it’s now technically illegal in CA, although I don’t know when the ruling kicks in.
SSJD
I have been trying to fight this practice for years. Stores are especially terrible about it when you are returning things. They want to see a driver’s license, your personal contact information, etc. I usually object on the grounds that it takes forever and my time is precious. However, I also object to having all that personal information floating around. I have had a large number of stores insist they must have some personal information in order to process a return (and give me a giftcard with the credit). It’s very irritating and I wish retailers would start to realize how much it annoys their customers.
Coach Laura
Addressing just the returns issue…it’s a fraud prevention method. Most big stores lose millions from fraud/theft and small stores lose too: It’s a big problem passed allong to all consumers in higher prices.
They are concerned not only about the thief scamming them, but are even more concerned with employee theft. If Employee X is dishonest, s/he can “invent” a fictitious person and process a return for cash or credit. Usually Employee X colludes with Employee Y or Manager Z for a second signature. If the store asks for ID, extra info etc., it is more likely to discourage employee theft by making it harder to fake a return.
Non-employee thieves usually steal something and return for credit/cash. Sometimes a thief will buy, for example, a Ralph Lauren suit and steal an identical one and return one using the receipt. If they do this a lot, their name will pop up when they try to make a return. So the stores enter the name/ID of the returner into a computer program and develop warning signs or profiles of multiple returners to try to spot these people.
So when I am returning something, I try not to get annoyed as they are trying to keep costs down. Now giving address/email when purchasing something is a different matter.
Lizzie
Isn’t it a little late in the year for a wool suit?
Coach Laura
Perhaps in California or Florida, but I wear wool suits year-round in Seattle. Not usually on days that are over 90 degrees, but I do have some summer-weight wool suits and because as they are natural fibers, they “breathe” quite well.
Nalini
Tropical wool or Super 120s at J Crew rocks…
classycareergirl
I really like this suit too! Especially the color. So professional!