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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 always like a classic gray suit, and this one has just enough unique details to make it interesting. Take, for example, the chevron-pleated pockets, the pleats at the back of the jacket, and the wide stitching on the lapels — lovely. The lined skirt is simple enough, save for some detailing at the top, and the unlined pants look nice as well. The jacket (Classiques Entier® ‘Marcasite' Mélange Jacket) is $268, the skirt (Classiques Entier® ‘Marcasite' Mélange Skirt) is $148, and the pants (not pictured) ( Classiques Entier® ‘Marcasite' Mélange Pants) are $168.Sales of note for 9.10.24
- Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Bergdorf Goodman – Save up to 40% on new markdowns
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; up to 50% off everything else
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off wear-to-work styles; extra 30% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything; extra 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – BOGO 50% everything, includes markdowns
- White House Black Market – 30% off new arrivals
Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…
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And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
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anon
Love this suit, but gosh, I’ve got 4 grey suits, I need to branch out.
OT, has anyone bought a blazer from Orvis? Any opinions on quality? I’m looking at this one, thought it might be pretty with some tan pants I have, but the reviews are kind of mixed. I love these longer, classic style blazers, hard to find these days.
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=74K9&dir_id=832&group_id=862&cat_id=8331&subcat_id=8332&adv=91841&gclid=CKPEvIXl06cCFcOd7QodRy5C9A&cm_mmc=paid_search-_-google-_-womens_classic_blazers-_-91841
- j -
Yes! Same! No input on Orvis but I had the exact same train of thought on this suit and had to comment.
Love LOVE the feminine but not too girly details – particularly at the waist of the skirt. ::SIGH:::
anon
Never bought clothing from Orvis, but their dog products are very high quality. And I bought a pair of shoes there once that has held up fairly well. So I would think that their clothes would at least be worth a try. Do they have any kind of guarantee on clothing? I know that they guarantee at least some of their dog products.
SF Bay Associate
I like all the pieces I own from Classiques – good stuff.
Another threadjack – does anyone else have knees that ache? Is it because of my heels? Are there stretches/exercises I can do to help with this?
EPLawyer
I have a bad knee. Old Little League injury. I used to have to walk with a cane it hurt so bad some days. I found a fantastic yoga program on Netflix. It is so great. No more limping, very few achy days. it is called “Healing Yoga for Aches and Pains.”
anon
I had awful knee pain until I stopped wearing any heel over 2″. For some reason, a 2″ heel doesn’t bother my knees, but even 2 1/2″ cause me problems. But, I do have bad knees, and still have some pain, just not nearly as bad. Yours could be due to some other reason.
Bonnie
No knees are a mess but it’s not because of heels; more likely years of running and playing sports. I tried Insolia inserts http://insolia.com/
with some of my heels and they do ease the strain.
soulfusion
I’ve had two knee surgeries due to a combination of crooked knee caps and a love of sports left me with a lot of shredded cartiledge. A couple of years ago my orthopedist banned flip flops from my footwear. It was summer at the time and that was hard information to swallow but I did it. He also advised me to avoid heels with the specific caveat of Cole Haan’s Nike Air. I keep my heels in the two inch range and rarely to never walk far in them (walk to/from work in supportive commuter shoes). This has made a huge difference in my knees and {{knock on wood}} my knees have held up very well and I’m training for my first half marathon.
I also suggest avoiding squats and lunges if they are part of your exercise routine. This was also part of my doctor’s advice and I think it has made a significant difference although I know my trainer is still a little bitter about this point. Avoid walking down stairs – especially in heels! And you can try taking glucosamine (sp?) supplements although I can never tell a difference between when I’m taking them and when I’m not.
Finally, in terms of pro-active exercises, it is always good for your knees to build up your quad and hamstring muscles because the stronger they are, the less impact you will have on your knees. You can do very simple exercises such as sitting on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you (back supported or not depending on your strength), flex your quad and lift and hold your leg straight out. I actually do these at my desk all the time. You can do reps and/or just hold it for a sustained period.
Sorry for the overload but this is a battle I’ve fought long before I could blame it on heels or age. Good luck!
Anonymous
Thanks, this is a real help!
SS
Do you go to the gym? Whenever my knees start to ache, it’s usually a sign I need new running sneakers.
kz
yes. According to my doctor, I have patellofemoral pain syndrome, which best I can tell means “your knees hurt and we’re not really sure why.” But the recommendation was to strengthen the muscles around the knee area, which does help–I use the machines at the gym that you basically lift with your ankles (I don’t know the name), as well as the ab/adductor machines, plus lunges and squats.
Lilly
I had knee pain – going up stairs was difficult and coming down them was excruciating, plus they hurt for no reason. I also had a high degree of stiffness in my knees and back. It didn’t seem to matter what my level of activity was or wasn’t, or what kind/height shoes I wore. Three years ago, at age 44, I was diagnosed with a severe case of arthritis. [bleh]. I know that Celebrex and the ilk have some potentially nasty side effects, but at this point, Celebrex is my bestest friend. : )
Ru
Hmmm, this is my problem but I don’t think I have arthritis (although it apparently runs in my family). My whole family has loose joints. Our fingers can curve way back apparently, which I didn’t know was different and my kneecaps don’t track properly in their respective grooves. My brother and aunt both experienced their kneecaps slipping to the side (!). I should really get physical therapy to strengthen my muscles but it seems like such a chore. For now, I stay away from lunges, squats and walking down the stairs as much as possible.
LR
I ordered a Classiques Entier suit online a few months ago and wasn’t happy with the fit at all. Although it looked like a fitted style in the photo, on me it was shapeless and boxy. Perhaps the sizes run large.
Makeup Junkie
I can’t get Classiques Entier pants to work for me, at all. They seem to come right up to my breastbone. Too bad because I love the way it looks on the model
N
I feel like the jacket is missing a button… Probably because it is a fairly short jacket, or the model has a long torso?
I love the skirt, though.
AIMS
I think it’s because the button start high, but then cut off at the waist. With that placement, three buttons are more typical.
I think it’s a cute suit, but not my style. I think I prefer jackets that are not cut quite this high (or that are cut higher, e.g., mandarin style). Also, with this kind of button placement/cut, it feels like it would be hard to wear this open and I dislike having to always close my jackets. I can see this being cute on someone else, but I don’t think it would do very much for me.
OJ
Perfect diagnosis, AIMS. I bet if I start analyzing why I do/don’t like certain jackets, I’m going to find that you’ve identified it for me. Thank you!
nonA
I love the waistband on that skirt! Not sure about the jacket – something seems a little dated about it to me.
soulfusion
I had to look very closesly at this suit because the jacket is almost exactly like the one I am wearing right now from Esprit Collection – same detail on the pocket and until I did a close up on the fabric, nearly the same. Mine is with a sheath dress instead of skirt or pants but the pocket detail and button placement are almost identical. I know it is different but I have to say, I don’t love the jacket. As commenters have said, the buttons are too high and so I’ve opted to leave it open to avoid the awkwardness it creates. I do love the peplum detail on the pocket so maybe the Classique Entier is better.
Kat says No Yoga Pants!
It’s 2L NYC — it looks like Kat’s eagerly awaited piece has appeared in the New York Times!
Congrats Kat! Definitely not ok to wear yoga pants outside: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/17/fashion/17elastic.html?adxnnl=1&ref=fashion&adxnnlx=1300316786-Tt0Ylpn/PaJcLj5MmRq+fA
AnonInfinity
I’m so glad you spotted this!!!
KAT — I’ve never loved you more! I agree 800%.
Kat
ha!! thanks, you guys!! this is why i’ve had the site on lockdown for what seems like an eternity now… here’s hoping we’re not shut down tomorrow…
Brooklyn Native
Kat! You live in Brooklyn! I knew I <3 you for a reason….
Kat
Yep, for almost a year and a half now!
Eponine
Squishy-midriffed women? Really? And just when I thought I was too old to be affected by body snarking.
I refuse to believe Stacy London actually said that. NYT must have paraphrased.
Kanye East
The Times isn’t exactly in-the-know when it comes to trends of any kind. Their rapid decline into a newspaper-sized wannabe lifestyle-and-features-rag is not helping the state of print publication.
P
Kat, your comment was right on.
I’m wondering why we are even debating this in 2011? I remember having the sweat/yoga/juicy couture pants vs. jeans debate in high school. Yoga pants (and sweatpants) look good on no one!
Anon
I don’t even particularly understand the “comfort” argument. Sure, if you are wearing pants that are too tight, they are going to be uncomfortable. But jeans and trousers that are the correct size should not dig into one’s waist and be uncomfortable.
anon-too
I mostly agree with you, but my waistline fluctuates throughout the day and sitting all day with pants on is quite uncomfortable. While I never resort to wearing yoga pants to work, I immediately put them on when I get home.
kz
quoted in the same article as Stacy London? Kat, in my world, this makes you a huge success:-) Congrats!
Coach Laura
Congrats Kat!
Ann
““If it’s a casual day and you’re just working in your office and you’re pregnant and you can’t find anything else to fit, maybe yoga pants are acceptable,” Ms. Griffin said. “But for everyone else, really, get a pair of pants.”
Kat Griffin FTW!! Awesome quote and something that needs to be said. Enough with the wearing yoga pants to the office. I doubt Anne Mulcahy, Irene Rosenfeld or Indra Nooyi do that!
Praxidike
I actually own this suit. It is nice and fits well. The pants are unlined and the hems fell on the second wear. I had to take them to a tailor, which irritated me because I expect better quality from Nordstrom.
In addition, I feel the jacket runs a touch big.
BonBonChihuahuas
The pockets are just the perfect touch. Takes a very classic look and gives it a little slap!
Coach Laura
I love Classiques Entier suits. I hate that it doesn’t come in petite.
E
That skirt is shockingly gorgeous.
treasure Hunters Roadshow
Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Great choice of colors!