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Suit of the Week: Stizzoli

Corporette's Suit of the Week: Stizzoli

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.

Fun story: I was originally going to make this affordable Jones New York houndstooth blazer and dress the focus of today's Suit of the Week — but while looking for the plus-sized option I found this gorgeous suit (pictured). The Stizzoli brand is totally new to me, but everything they have at Saks is amazing (albeit pricey); I'm a bit bummed they only come in plus sizes!

The jacket (Tweed Printed Jacket) is $635; the skirt (Tweed Skirt) is $330 — there is also a matching dress for $525. All are available in sizes 14-24.

(If you really like the JNY suit, note that they have a ton more options — including plus sizes — on JonesNewYork.com, where the entire site is 25% off (anniversary sale).)

houndstooth tweed 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:

66 Comments

    1. haha, that’s along the lines of what I thought, too.

      I think I could like the jacket, though. Nice shape, but I wonder if the pattern would look odd around the bust. If it works, it would be a good not-so-basic basic.

  4. How is that model in any way plus sized?!

    Love the suit, wish it came in misses sizes.

    1. Agreed, re the model. When I was much younger and a size 6 I was approached by some agency about plus sized modeling. When I asked, incredulously how a size 6 could be a plus sized model I was told it is like how tv shows use actors in their 20’s to play teenagers. Not following their logic I kept staring waiting for further explanation. Then I was told the camera adds 10 pounds. I said 10 pounds still wouldn’t make me plus sized. I was then told that “plus sized people don’t buy clothes that make you look plus sized” so they use non plus-sized models that are bigger than regular sized models. I basically told them to shove it and left. Just to be clear I wasn’t pissed that I was being considered “the face of plus sized” I was pissed that they wouldn’t use actual plus sized models. It just seemed like massive body shaming.

      1. Note that a lot of plus size retailers are now actually using plus size models — like Talbots and Eloquii. I especially appreciate when the website tells you what size the model is wearing (for example, “Our model Sarah is 5’10” and wearing a size 14″). They still don’t usually have models size 20+ but it’s a big improvement over having to imagine what the plus size version looks like.

          1. Saks does use plus size models, but they tend to be on the smaller end of the scale.

      2. That doesn’t surprise me because when the same item is available in regular and plus, I can see what it will probably look like on me (size 6/8) by looking at the plus sized item.

        I understand stores want buyers to consciously or unconsciously think they’ll look thin in the item, but in my dream online shopping world they photograph the same item on models of at least two different sizes. Go ahead and take the main photo on a size 0, but have an alternative view on a size 6 or – gasp! – a size 12.

    2. +1, there is no way in hell she’s wearing a 14 or larger. This is just stupid.

      1. She might be, or a 10 or 12. Sizes don’t necessarily indicate shape, particularly when a model is tall.

        1. I said 14 because that’s the smallest size the suit comes in. My point is that they’re being misleading, but you could very well be right.

    3. That’s what I look like at a size 12/14. Granted, it’s not what most people look like at that size, but I don’t fit into “normal” clothing at some stores. Some of us are built like D1 basketball players. Ahem.

  6. Probably over-thinking this BUT. I’m a last-minute +1 to a friend in an MBA program’s recruiting event at a local bar tonight. He’ll be wearing a suit. I’m okay wearing the black sheath dress I wore to work, plus jazzy jewelry and booties, right? No need for a blazer and pumps? Don’t want to torpedo his future employment by showing up lookin’ a fool.

    3. I don’t think there’s any chance you could torpedo his career – but if it was me I might throw on a blazer but keep the jazzy jewelry and booties. But only if I had a blazer easily accessible. Don’t buy anything new (unless you want to.)

      1. I can do that, especially since it’s chilly today anyway. Definitely not buying anything new. Thanks!

  8. For the ladies who live in reasonably cold places, how many winter coats do you have, excluding stuff for outdoor sports?

    1. Three. Two are wool for when it is cold, and one is a parka with a zip out liner (Patagonia tres) for wet plus cold.

    3. Non-activewear coats? Two. One black wool coat, one mid length down coat (which I love love love).

      I really don’t like the black wool coat- I got it for $40 at TJMaxx probably 10 years ago and it’s double-breasted which doesn’t work for me, and has seen better days. I have been lusting after the Lady Day coat for 3 years, but have yet to pull the trigger. I think I’m going to wait for a sale and just go for it. I think I’m going to go for a royal blue this time- no more black for me!

      1. I just googled Lady Day Coat… Assuming you’re talking about J. Crew– that baroque blue is gorgeous. Also? It’s 25% off right now. Here’s me motivating you to go for it!

        1. GAH. Also, was it this expensive last year? For some reason, I keep trying to buy it for $200 or less…

          Although… I just decided to check ebay and there appears to be a fairly decent selection! Perhaps I’ll purchase one from there… thoughts?

          1. Yeah, no arguments here– even on sale it would be out of my budget (and I have an unreasonable number of coats I already don’t wear). I don’t know how you feel about eBay, but a quick search shows a ton of them there.

            ETA- whoa, we must have been looking at the same time! I’m all about eBay.

          2. Kathryn- In the words of my good friend, ‘Get out of my head!’

            Okay, now the only question left is do I get the 8 or the 8 tall?

            Normally, I wear a 6 in JCrew dresses, but I like to make sure that I have enough room for a sweater. I’m 5’8, 155ish pounds, 34DD, 26 waist, 38 hips and with a muscular build. Thoughts?

          3. Hmm, I’m a mere 5’5. I personally prefer my coats/dresses to hit right at or below my knee. In either case a long would probably be too long for me, but maybe good for you?

          4. For Clementine–

            I am also 5’8″ and thought I would need a tall in Jcrew coats, so I ordered one online final sale in tall sizing. The torso length was longer than the ideal flattering length so I think regular would have been better, but I could’ve made the torso work for the price I got it at. However, the sleeves were about 4 inches too long, and I have exceptionally long arms for a 5’8″ body (an ex once called me a monkey). Sleeves are really expensive to shorten on a coat like that, so I would recommend the regular unless your arms hit your knees.

          5. Different Anon- This is exactly what I needed. I have proportional arms and appreciate that you have just saved me some agony.

            Thank you!

          6. I am an avid consumer of Lady Days. I’ve owned five over the years, a few of which I got for $99 at a freak August sale in 2009. I digress. They used to be in the 250-275 range, and then I’d get them on sale. JCrew is getting crazy greedy. Also, the 2009 ones have amazing contrast linings, two ticket pockets, nicer buttons. What I am trying to say is that quality has gone down, and…you’re right…the price has indeed gone up, significantly.

            For the OP re 8T v 8, I would order both and return one in-store. I always get Talls–I am nearly 5″11, but I am short-waisted (which is perfect which an Empire cut). Their Talls are not unusually tall, so you _might_ fit into the regular. (The coat, on the whole, is cut long.) Also, JCrew will give you exact measurements if that’d help. You can call on the phone and they have them.

          7. Get the Lady Day in December/January when it’s on clearance. I was able to snag a navy one for less than $200. I’m 5’9.5″, 155# and the 8 TALL was the best. I wanted the sleeves to come a little past my wrists and be a bit long on the legs, so it keeps me warm. If i had waited about 2 weeks longer I would have been able to score the black one instead, but I really like the navy in hindsight. I can pick out my coat from a sea of black peacoats at the coat check.

            @ MJ, you probably got the super cheap one before they started making Thinsulate standard. It used to be an option, but I think they changed it up circa 2009. I used to work at the Factory Store in my area, and they often have GREAT versions of the coats. If you have one nearby, consider checking it out, especially if you are looking for something unique.

    4. I have probably three “active wear” coats, 2 wool ones, and one parka. Realistically, I only wear my patagonia tres for the vast majority of the winter. When we have a chinook blow in, I flip to one of my lighter active wear or wool coat.

    5. I live in not so cold climate…but I have 5 coats. Four wool/wool blend coats and one trench coat. I have coat problem.

    6. Wow I’m totally behind! I only have 1. It’s a knee length wool cashmere blend and I totally love it. It’s black with a few leather touches and I wear it with everything. It gets me through NYC winter. I kind of want to buy a new one in a cute color like Kelly green but can’t bring myself to spend the money.

    7. 1 black 3/4 length puffer for snowy/really cold days
      1 black wool walker for cold work days
      1 navy blue peacoat for coldish fall weekends
      1 ski coat
      1 black bracelet length coat with beaded collar for fancy stuff

      Still feel like I could use a nicer casual coat for when I’m not quite peacoat and not quite beaded collar. Also have various down vests and a rain coat, which are more fall than winter but…

    8. Erm, I have a lot. There may be some I am forgetting . . .

      – 1 reddish/oragne toggle JCrew coat (my Paddington Bear coat)
      – 1 yellow wool JCrew pea coat
      – 1 royal purple wool JCrew long and fitted coat
      – 1 periwinkle double cloth JCrew lady day coat
      – 1 brown shin-length down coat from LL Bean
      – 1 camel wool JCrew pea coat
      – 1 brown short leather bomber style jacket
      – 1 red, black, white plaid fit and flare coat from Gabriel Brothers
      – 1 Columbia heavy duty coat for weekends/barn days

      I have a problem, I know. I also have a few light-weight trench coats and down vests too, but I am guessing you don’t want to know about those!

    9. four –
      1) black trench coat that is rain resistant but not super warm.
      2) long black wool dress coat
      3) shorter length wool coat in stylish pattern (hard to describe and unique so may out me)
      4) long puffy coat

      I also have a a long sweater coat thing, a fleece, and a ski jacket but i consider those casual wear.

    10. Nice coats:
      1 mid calf, bracelet sleeved wool/cashmere/camel hair
      1 knee length black plaid wool trench
      1 mid-thigh wool trench
      1 mid-thigh wool coat
      1 wool peacoat
      Warm/sporty coats:
      1 knee length down coat
      1 waist length down puffer
      1 3in1 Columbia ski jacket
      2 down vests
      1 NorthFace fleece

    11. 5 winter coats, but I only wear the first 2 of them with any regularity:
      – Gorgeous black wool belted knee-length Kenneth Cole coat
      – Red Land’s End hooded knee-length puffer coat
      – Camel hair LLBean knee-length coat (almost 20 years old)
      – Full-length charcoal grey wool JCrew coat (over 20 years old)
      – Crimson wool hip-length Calvin Klein coat

      Plus, a full-length cashmere sweater coat which I wear with evening clothes (increasingly rarely these days) and various other jackets appropriate for late fall.

    12. A Canada Goose parka
      A long wool dress coat
      Above the knee wool coat

      All are black and it’s gonna be cold again this winter. Clearly I need a Lady Day coat in a fun colour.

      2. I’m hesitating buying a Canada Goose jacket but I don’t think I can go through another winter without one. I guess there’s no chance of getting one on sale?

  9. Any advice for those of you have done a job interview by video? I have to do one that is being recorded, so it’s not like there will be a lot of opportunity for “normal” interaction. The prospect has me rather spooked. What did you wear? Any advice on background? I feel hopelessly out of step with the times here.

    1. I have. It’s super awkward no matter how you cut it. You’ll never be making real eye contact, so just let that go. Be yourself, just a touch more animated so your enthusiasm translates.

      Make sure you are wearing enough makeup so your eyes pop a little and a saturated color top under your jacket so you don’t get totally washed out.

    2. Cosign all of the advice–look at the camera for eye contact is HUGE.

      Also, in case the connection is spotty, make sure that you pause a bit longer than usual between them talking and you talking to account for any delay. If you can’t hear something or it didn’t come through, don’t wing it. Ask them to repeat.

      Wear something that’s colorful on top–white will wash nearly anyone out.

      Good luck!

    3. Just in case you’re still checking today: before hand, set up your computer so the camera is slightly above you. Figure out where you should sit. Use masking tape if you can’t leave the set up as is until the interview. Also, do a test run to check for lighting. I used a window on one side and a full-spectrum bulb on the other, for balance and no scary overhead shadows.

  10. Just signed up. How often do brands repeat? Are any more frequently featured than others? I couldn’t decide about some Citizens jeans yesterday and now I’m wondering if it’ll be years before they’re on there again.

    1. From what I remember, things repeat pretty often– especially jeans. Rather than looking at only the “featured” sales, do a search for your item. I feel like Citizens were constantly on there.

    2. FYI, I tend to find that the Gilt sale prices aren’t the cheapest. If you know the name of the item, I’d google it and see if you can find it at something like 6pm or even on sale at a B&M like Bloomingdales. I almost always do that now before I buy from Gilt or RueLaLa and have discovered that the prices from those flash sale sites are never as cheap as I can get elsewhere.

      1. I’ve had the same experience. And at least if you buy from a one of those other sites you mention (6pm, any B&M), if the item doesn’t work you can return it and get your money back. If you return something to Gilt, you just get a Gilt credit. I have one from a year and a half ago that I still haven’t found anything to use it on, and I really just want my $60 back.

  11. Gorgeous! I could tell from the photo on my Facebook page that this was going to cost a mint. So wish they had the dress in regular sizes and at at a fifth of the price..

  12. TJ: I need some advise on how to deal with this problem – I am not an effective communicator. I’m from Asia (south east) so english is technically not my first language. The issue is not with grammar, my speech is generally clear when I speak but the problem is I hardly ever speak. I stop sentences mid-way and in general, my communication skills need to improve a great deal. I know I have this problem but I’m not able to figure out how to help myself overcome this. Does anyone have any tips for overcoming this? I’m looking to get some professional help because so much of what I do at work depends on how effectively I communicate. Sometimes I feel it’s lack of self-confidence as I see people with heavy accents and limited vocabulary communicate very effectively.

      1. I did something similar when I was living in the middle east and learning Arabic. It’s a fantastic idea, especially when you’re speaking in a language other than your native one.

    2. I had some similar communication issues (not speaking loudly enough, stopping mid-sentence etc.) mostly stemming from a childhood speech impediment (on which I was picked on for many years). I lacked confidence while speaking, but once I realized it was all in my head I was able to gain confidence. Not only was I told by my husband and good friends that they would never have guessed I had speech issues while younger, but I also recording myself talking. I was able to gain confidence over time and now these issues are much less. My speech is in no way perfect, but I realized that when I do slip up nobody notices but me! As an adult, I was my own worse enemy with this.

  13. This suit reminds me of the design Talbots did last year with forest green. I LOVE it!!!

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