This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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 haven't seen a great neutral suit like this in the NAS, from a big brand like Reiss, for a while now. And it's still available as of Wednesday afternoon, but note that a ton of other Reiss pieces have already sold out.
The blazer is $329 (will go back to $545 after the sale), and the pants are $198, but will go back to $330.
Sales of note for 8.30.24
- Nordstrom – Summer Sale, save up to 60%
- Ann Taylor – 30% off full-price purchase; $99 jackets, dresses & shoes; extra 50% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off
- Bergdorf Goodman – Final Days Designer Sale, up to 75% off; extra 20% off sale
- Boden – 20% off
- Brooks Brothers – Extra 25% off clearance
- Eloquii – Up to 60% off everything; extra 60% off all sale
- J.Crew – 40% off sitewide; extra 60% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – Extra 20% off orders $125+; extra 60% off clearance; 60%-70% off 100s of styles
- Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off (ends 9/2)
- Madewell – Extra 40% off sale; extra 50% off select denim; 25% off fall essentials
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Rothy's – End of season sale, up to 50% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear in the big sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 25% off regular-price purchase; 70% off clearance
- White House Black Market – Up to 70% off sale
Anon
I have $50k in Wealthfront robo-advisor account and $100k in a 4.4% savings account. I want to move both to an index fund. Where do I start? Where are you keeping your invested money?
Anonymous
FXAIX at Fidelity is what I use.
Vanguard has a similar SPX index.
Anonymous
I like Vanguard because it’s easiest, but I also have some in Schwab. I got out of Fidelity, but I know other people like them.
Anon
Since you are moving a large chunk of money all at once, I would by Vanguard’s classic total stock market ETF. This is the tax efficient way to invest for this scenario if you are looking for a solid approach to index investing.
VTI
All of my money at Vanguard is in VTI. And most of my index money in my Fidelity brokerage account is in this as well.
Anon
I like Schwab best.
wet ink sigs
Vanguard, VTSAX
Anonymous
Any ideas for sending a birthday gift to a friend with a late July birthday? I live across the country, she’s in Northern Virginia. She enjoys sweets – chocolates, cookies etc. Normally I’d send an east coast person a box of Sees Candy, yet I feel like it would be a melted mess after traveling across the country and sitting on the tarmac and in the back of UPS trucks. I think she’d also like cookies from Levain but same problem with hot weather. She’s not a drinker, cooks out of obligation, and has limited interest in buying stuff. I’d like to celebrate her a bit. She’s long term single and is a very kind person but she never gets celebrated. She has mentioned in passing before how she never gets cake on her birthday because you can’t get a cake for one – and cupcakes aren’t the same. She works from home now so it isn’t even an option to send a cake and have her take the rest of it to work or anything.
Any ideas?
Anon
During warm summer months, See’s candies sends their stuff in a cooled/insulated container. Shipping is correspondingly more expensive.
That being said – I would stick with your See’s candies impulse!
NYCer
+1. I would just do the See’s candies.
Senior Attorney
“See’s candy” is always the right answer!
Anon
I sent a nice package of scones, lemon curd and jam to someone in New Orleans from Wolferman’s and it turned out great! I also sent a 3 month bakery gift box to the same person in Nola and it was very well received. I like the idea of sending a short subscription like that so they have something to enjoy and look forward to. I am sure that whatever you send will be appreciated! I think most places that ship regularly will pack the item appropriately for weather using dry ice, overnight shipping etc.
Anon
The 3 month bakery gift box was from Zingerman’s.
AIMS
I like to send a small Milk Bar cake for this kind of thing. it’s festive, special, not too big, and I’ve shipped it year round, inc. in summer, without issue. It also freezes well if she doesn’t want to eat the whole thing right away.
Anonymous
A gift card to Livin’ the Pie Life in Arlington!
Anon
Your friend realizes that leftover cake freezes nicely, I hope.
OP
If I lived alone and worked from home, I would be thrilled if someone sent me a (delicious) birthday cake. Thrilled.
Anonymous
Send her a 6” cake from Magnolia Bakery!
Anonymous
I have shipped Jeni’s Ice Cream before, but that was more fun and special before Jeni’s was in grocery stores everywhere. They shipped it in dry ice and it arrived in perfect condition.
Anon
I send my friends a slice of cake or cookies on their birthdays through door dash. If it’s available in your friend’s area, they make it really easy to send a gift and you can get it there in 30 minutes.
Anon
I’ve had a bad experience trying to deliver something to my mom for her birthday. Door dash said it was delivered, it never was, to a building with a doorman, and door dash refused to refund.
Anon8
I’m a few weeks into a gnarly breakup and while I’ve gotten to a pretty even emotional keel, sometimes the days still just suck. I’ve started a list of things I can do that I know will make me feel better for the days when I wake up and can tell it’s going to be a rough one. The list is pretty basic for now–go for a walk or a run, get my favorite take out for lunch, set aside time to read before bed, take it easy at work if my schedule allows, make a fun cocktail to wind down with at the end of the day, etc.–and I’m always looking for things to add to it.
Anyone have their own little pick me ups they’d recommend trying out? I’m looking for a mix of indulgences/guilty pleasures and things that maybe aren’t fun in the moment but will give me a sense of accomplishment (cleaning my house, trying a new workout class)
Panda Bear
Listen to music, or a funny/feel good podcast or book.
Vicky Austin
A bath!
Anony
+1
Anon
In situations like these I tend to isolate, which doesn’t do me any good. So in your shoes I’d make an effort to reach out to friends and make plans to meet up.
Anonymous
When I was dating I made a playlist of “get over it!!” songs that I would listen to as needed. Examples:
I Will Survive
It’s Not Right, But It’s OK (Whitney)
Love Me or Leave Me (Nina)
Shake it Off
The Breakup Song
You’re So Vain
Cold Hearted Snake
Damaged Goods (Gang of Four)
Don’t Come Around Here No More
End of the Line
Fighter (Aguilera)
Frozen (Madonna)
Hope You’re Happy Now (the Sounds)
test run
+1 except for me it’s just the Taylor Swift 1989 album. I was going through a breakup shortly after it came out and a friend was like, “maybe just listen to some Taylor Swift?” which made me laugh (but also turned out to be pretty effective). When I’m having an off day I’ll still put that album on repeat and the combination of the music itself and the placebo effect/humor of my friend recommending it seems to help.
Formerly Lilly
Get Out of My House (Miya Folick)
Senior Attorney
Set the timer for 15 minutes and tidy up one room in your house. You can get a lot done and you’ll feel better when you’re done!
Anonymous
I’m dealing with grief right now and these are my go-tos:
Tackle cleaning one drawer a night or vacuuming one room.
Keep a podcast or audible book running as much as possible.
Home spa treatments on my feet.
Doing errands on a week night—even a bunch instead of letting them pile up.
Finding recipes and cooking.
Nesprin
Making bread! the no knead bread recipe is foolproof, easy and amazing with some fancy spread and a glass of wine.
Nonny
Please share recipe, thanks!
Anon
Cleaning house, fresh flowers, me time reading books, trying new recipes, getting together with friends for lunch or dinner, buying home things like pristine new sheets (do this after all breakups!) and a new pair of shoes for me.
Hang in there!
test run
love the idea of pristine new sheets after a breakup! that would be a cute gift to get someone going through it.
Anonymous
Ick. No on the gift giving. That can totally come off like your gardening was perceived as dirty or cursed or something. Just no.
Anon
No it is not, and it’s the opposite of s1ut shaming – it’s like here’s to new and better gardening adventures with new and better people!
Anon for this in a major way
Hugs. I can commiserate. I’m in an emotional rowboat, out far away from shore without oars, during a tropical storm. If hearing about someone else’s mess is helpful: I spent a great deal of family time recently with my cousin (who I hadn’t seen in 35 years) who, during the trip, was flirty with me. We got emotionally close (e.g., electric communication, glances, hand/arm touches) and he kissed me. Now I’m far away and it’s like the switch flipped. I feel sucked in and spit out. I know it could never be anything. And I’m married to an incredible man and before the trip wouldn’t have even considered that my heart could feel this way. Yes, therapist on speed dial since my return.
Pick me ups: brisk walks, upbeat music, activities not usually in my routine (roller skating, batting cages, volunteering, trying to learn how to surf).
BeenThatGuy
Well, that story gave me the distraction I needed from my crazy day…
Anon
Wut in the tarnation
Anon for this in a major way
Anon for this in a major way OP here… yes, I know. Writing it out is helping me process the complete mess.
Vicky Austin
Hey, that took some guts to confess. Glad you have a therapist handy!
Anon
I sympathize. Good luck to you.
Anon
Reading hard copy books! In your situation, I especially liked “Madam Secretary” because of the description of how Madeline Albright handled her ex-husband’s ludicrous approach to their divorce.
Anon
The TV show Madam Secretary is also good binge watching!
Maudie Atkinson
I made a similar list in the aftermath of my divorce. In addition to things others have already identified: lighting a splurgy candle, Beyonce’s Lemonade album, hot tea, and adult coloring books.
And yes, new bed linens are great in this circumstance. I bought some for a friend recently as soon as she told me she was getting divorced. She loved it, and it felt good to do a practical, supportive thing from many states away.
On the same note, a nice church lady in my congregation suggested I dump out my underwear drawer and buy all new ones when I got divorced, so I’ll pass that one along. Even if you don’t take the advice, hopefully the image of a very Southern, casserole-toting Episcopalian offering that counsel in the pew will bring you a moment of joy.
Formerly Lilly
My ex swore he never brought anyone to the house, but I got a new mattress and bed linens anyway. Cause who’s going to trust a liar, right? Also, I didn’t redecorate the master bedroom but I changed enough of the decor to make it look different (new Linens and new, totally different curtains and switched out lamps and decor with other parts of the house).
Anon
Go on a date with someone else. The possibility helps you move on.
Alaska Cruise
I’m going on an Alaska cruise next week, and am suddenly freaking out that I have nothing to wear on my legs around the ship. Usually on vacations, I mostly wear sundresses or shorts (or a swimsuit). But what if it’s too cold for those? I figured jeans or leggings/joggers would be good for excursions, and I have dresses for dinner, but what on earth do I wear just around? Are leggings too sloppy? My suitcase is already about to explode, but I think it’s all wrong. Do I need to buy something else? But what? (I’m pretty much limited to Old Navy and Target in-store right now.) Why didn’t I think about this sooner?
Anon
I’d choose the same pants for excursions and hanging around, whether that’s jeans or long pants like chinos etc. You don’t need dedicated ship-only pants, especially since your packing is tight.
I think a trap we all fall into is packing for our imaginary vacation selves, where we will wear that dress we’ve never felt comfortable wearing at home, or that the orphans in the back of our closet will suddenly work for Vacation Self.
Pack what you wear at home. Bring layers in case you’re cold, but those items that you’re always replacing or are faded and need replacing soon? That’s what you wear. Bring that.
Anon
I didn’t spend a whole lot of time on the ship when I did an Alaska cruise, but jeans or leggings should be fine anywhere except in the formal dining rooms and for shows. If you have dresses for dinner, you don’t need to buy anything else.
Anon
Have you checked on the expected temperature? I went on an Alaska cruise over 10 years ago in August, but I was shocked at how cold it was. I ended up buying a winter hat and really wishing I had brought more sweatshirts. I can picture wearing shorts at all. Jeans and leggings around the ship are fine
Pep
Conversely, we went on an Alaska cruise in 2019 and ROASTED. I would have given anything for a pair of shorts and some sandals. Check the forecast. Also, Alaska cruises are typically much more casual than Caribbean ones.
Anon
+1 to Alaska cruises skewing very casual. Depends on the cruiseline, but you probably don’t even really need to dress for dinner.
The weather can vary hugely, even within one cruise. I was in a winter coat, hat and gloves in Glacier Bay, but went swimming (on board the ship) in Ketchikan, where I think it was 80 degrees or close.
Anon
Leggings are fine. I hope you are packing rain gear.
Anon
I’ve not been on a cruise, but I might grab a pair of these joggers. They look cute and are water-resistant.
Anon
I nesting-failed. The joggers I saw were the water-resistant ones from Old Navy.
Anonymous
Woah ok. You wear the jeans and joggers you already are packing around. Don’t make it a thing
Anonymous
Runners- any favorite race-side signs you’ve seen? I’m supporting a sibling in his first marathon and hope to travel to 3-4 different spots, of course starting and finish line included. There are multiple races starting at the same time so the first time he sees me will be with a larger crowd of 10k/half marathon people.
Anon
Tbh I just like seeing my loved ones! No thoughts on what signs they have.
For signs random people are holding, I always smile at the ones that say something like “hit here for energy” or something.
Anon
I’m running my first in person half marathon in a few months and I think the only person who will cheer me on is my bf and I doubt he’s the type to make a sign! I’m sure your sibling would appreciate any sign and support!!
anonshmanon
When I did this last year, I got a lot of runner smiles and thumbs up (even close to the marathon finish line) for noise makers! Cowbells, whistles, a kazoo was very fun. You can’t shout and cheer the whole time, but you can make a racket and they appreciate it.
Explorette
I love signs that are clever and make me laugh. It makes the next 30 seconds feel less hard. A friend once made me a sign and drew my dog on it. It hangs in my garage to this day. It makes me so happy!
Anon
“This is a lot of work for a free banana”
“Worst. Parade. Ever.”
Anon
If your sibling has pets, “Run like [pet] is throwing up on your bed!”
Anonymous
Worst parade ever
Should I call you an Uber?
(I also love signs themed to the race city
“You run better than the government/MBTA/Ticketmaster” etc) google is your friend
Anon
I like to play with whatever’s in the news lately. An aid station sign I made where I painted a Gatorade logo and “Alternative Beer” was a hit with runners in 2017.
At a course split, we did a “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right” sign once (after the clearly marked actual course split markings). I don’t know any Taylor Swift lyrics, but there’s probably one that could be repurposed for a sign.
If he has a common name, a simple “Go !!!” sign is great… and you’ll get high fives from every Joe/Mike/whatever on the course.
If you settle in one place, especially if it’s on the 2nd half of the course and if your sibling is a back of the pack person, set up with a few bags of Snickers/Twix/Milky Way minis to hand to anyone who looks like they’d want one. Years and years ago, I volunteered at an event where we ran out of Gu and someone who lived nearby rolled up with bags of old Halloween candy so we had *something*. We ended up winning the favorite aid station vote because of it and we brought so many smiles to tired runners’ faces. Now I bring it to any long race I volunteer at.
Monte
No signs have really stuck out, though I find it hilarious when someone blows up a giant pic of their runner’s face – but would be furious if anyone did it to me :)
For a recent race, a friend brought a giant fish on a flagpole for our group to cheer on our runner. Kind of like the flags people bring for large music festivals. It was great because our runner was able to see us at each location, and other spectators were totally jealous of the idea.
Anon
Kick some asphalt!
Touch here (star) for energy.
I bet this seemed like a good idea 3 months ago.
Anon
I’m stuck in mod but check out the High-Waisted All-Seasons StretchTech Water-Repellent Jogger Pants for Women from Old Navy.
FormerlyPhilly
Poll: Should I travel to London over Christmas or during mid-March?
Traveling from Newark or JFK. Certainly it will be slightly warmer in March. Already know about the price difference (expen$ive over Christmas) but not really a deal breaker.
Senior Attorney
I’ve been at Christmas and it was fantastic. I feel like the weather won’t be enough better in March to make up for the lack of holiday cheer.
AIMS
+1 to all this. Not even a close call.
NYCer
+2. Christmas time, hands down.
Anonymous
Christmas! London is magic at Christmas.
Anokha
Christmas! London is magic at Christmas.
Anon
I’ll be the dissenter and say I didn’t find London over the holidays very magical – just kind of gloomy and wet. But I agree the weather in March isn’t likely to be much better than in late December/early January, so between those two options probably the holidays. I much prefer summer there personally.
Anonymous
Christmas but plan ahead and make bookings. Definitely do skating at Somerset House. Christmas markets. Etc.
March is rainy and a bit dull, unless maybe you hit Easter in which case that can be good.
AIMS
I have a dumb question but can someone explain to me what a smart lightbulb does? Is it just that you can control it from your phone or does the light actually change? I want to improve my lighting but have zero interest in “smart” devices generally.
anonshmanon
A lot of them can change colors. You can set it from your phone, and you can set it on a timer. So you can have the entryway lights on when you come home in the dark winter evening, or you can turn it on to make your house appear less empty when on vacation. You can achieve those things with a programmable power outlet if you want to avoid smart devices.
I’ve seen some pulse or change color in sync with the beat of music that was playing. Fun gimmick but not of interest for me.
Anon
I do this with a smart plug – can’t remember what it’s callled, but it plugs into the wall and my lamps plug into it. I have an app and can control when they go on and off with that. It’s handy because I like my living room lamps to go on at sunset/dusk and go off at bedtime. If I want to override that, I just do it with my phone.
I suppose the smart bulb would be better for installed lights like overhead lamps where they’re wired and not exactly “plugged in.”
Anonymous
I’m thinking of taking my kids and husband to Paris for Christmas. Any experiences in doing this? Lisbon is another option, but I think Paris might be more festive.