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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.
Happy Wednesday! I'm not a huge fan of the white suit myself — I'm sure even if I were being careful I would somehow end up with ink/food/city/toddler stains on me within minutes — but if YOU can pull it off, check out the sale at Talbots, where the seasonless crepe suit is is part of the store's big Red Hanger Sale. There are limited sizes left of all of the pieces in other colors, but ivory is the one consistently in stock. (Even there, the “misses” skirts are nearly sold out — but if you check on petites there are a ton left and might be worth a try if you prefer a slightly shorter hem than what's pictured anyway). The jacket pictured above (Talbots Seasonless Crepe Two Button Blazer), available exclusively online, is down to $90 (was $199), and a peplum jacket (pictured below) is also down to $89. The pants (Signature Seasonless Crepe Straight-Leg Pants) were $119, but are now $54. There are two matching skirts offered: the pictured one, (Seasonless Crepe Flounced Skirt), was $99 but is now $42; there is also a trumpet skirt for $42.
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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
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Anonymous
I’d love to know what other R e t t e ‘ s are doing for makeup and get some new product recs Post your daily routine and products used below.
I’m pretty low maintenance – most mornings I do:
Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, under my eyes and rubbed in with my fingers
Liner: Kat Von D Autograph liquid liner, applied thinly
Mascara: Smashbox Full Exposure
[Sometimes] Lips: Revlon something or other – it’s pretty old, but it’s half gloss, half color
It takes about five minutes in the morning. What’s your routine?
Woods-comma-Elle
Ooh fun! I tend to swap products a lot, with a couple of staples, but this is what I have right now.
Primer (currently Clinique anti-redness one, have also tried Smashbox and Korres recently)
BB cream/foundation – Maybelline BB cream (which I really like) and Bobbi Brown long wear foundation (which I hate, it’s too sticky)
Concealer – Maybelline Better Skin
Benefit blusher
Brow/eyelid primer – Smashbox
Eyebrows – Benefit brow tint
Eyeshadow – a highlighter and a darker grey, both Bourjois
Eyeliner – L’oreal Infallible Super Slim in black
Eyelashes – Smashbox mascara primer, then L’oreal Lash Architect/Cover Girl Lashblast 24H/Diorshow Extase
Lipstick – depends on what I’m wearing, but most work days, it’s a nude Rimmel one (though I recently discovered how much longer expensive lipstick lasts so I will be investing in that next).
This takes me anything between 5-10 minutes and half an hour depending on how careful and how late I am!
Cb
I’m pretty minimalist.
Foundation: skin79 bb cream
Mascara: Loreal butterfly lash out
Lipstick: Clinique chubby stick
Eyebrows: benefit eyebrow kid
Sunscreen: ROC anti brown spot, SPF 50
Anon
Love the Skin79 BB cream! I use the VIP Gold; my skin is pretty fair and cool-toned and it works wonderfully.
Anon buzzkill
pls post to C*orpor3tt3 Makeup site
NyNW
LOL buzzkill!
HSAL
My bare minimum is the Mineral Veil from BE, and usually Voluminous Millions mascara. On days with more time (or interest) I do the BE foundation, one of the BE all-over colors, and Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliners. My favorite concealer is a Neutrogena cream/stick that I’m not even sure they make anymore, it’s so old. I almost never do lips. Even with a full (for me) face, it’s not more than 5 minutes in the morning.
AIMS
I’ll play.
I do BB cream (Dr. Jart or YSL), with a little concealer on any blemishes/under eyes.
Cream blush (tarte or Benefit Benetint)
Light semi-sparkly eye shadow in a taupe/champagne color + eyelash curler + lots of black mascara (right now, the Lancôme volume one, but basically any volumizing mascara – L’Oreal and Laura Mercier are both good)
Pinkish lipgloss – this varies from Smashbox O Gloss to whatever I have on hand.
Total time 5 minutes. If I feel ambitious, I’ll add a little brown eyeliner and put a little clear gloss on my eye brows to make them look extra neat.
Kathryn
I use:
BB cream (I think Cover Girl)
Bobbi Brown Concealer Stick
A little Physicians Formular bronzer (it’s not much darker than my skin, so part of the purpose is as a powder)
Cheek stain
Great Lash BIG mascara
On special work occasions/nights out– eyeshadow from a Tarte palette I’ve had forever, and drugstore-brand mechanical brown eyeliner.
It probably takes 5-10 minutes, but I rarely sit down and do it in one go. I also have to gush about just moving to a new apartment and sitting down at a vanity in my room to do my makeup, rather than standing up at the mirror in the bathroom. It feels so… luxurious.
Very, very rarely do I wear any color on my lips.
Kathryn
Speaking of, am I the only one that just can’t get lip color to stay on my lips? It doesn’t matter if it’s long-lasting– it either comes off or looks awful after an hour.
Sorry for TMI, but I think it might be because I bite/lick/otherwise touch my lips more often than I realize. I also feel the need to apply Aquaphor almost hourly, which obviously makes lipstick a no-go.
Anyone else?
Anonymous
I would not use Aquaphor. Use a good lip conditioner at night and use a lipstick primer under your regular lip products during the day.
Kathryn
Can I ask why? I’m pretty obsessed with Aquaphor in general, but would love to know if there’s a good reason not to use it.
Anonymous
It is petroleum jelly based, it doesn’t really condition your lips, it sort of masks imperfections. Your lips only get drier and more damaged, the more you use it. I recommend using something oil-based instead. Fresh lip treatments are really nice, Caudalie lip conditioner is another good one.
Anonymous
I stick with Aquaphor and other petroleum based treatments. Idk what kind of natural crap is in Fresh products but they give me a rash.
Anonymous
It’s not really about natural vs non-natural. It’s about moisturizing vs non-moisturizing treatments. Petroleum-based treatments are not moisturizing which is why people feel that they need to use them every hour.
Charlotte York
I have the same problem with the Fresh products — they chap my lips terribly. I use Aquaphor like Chapstik. I feel like it protects and moisturizes. I don’t have chapped lips.
anon
I will put in a plug for Burt’s Bees lip balm. All natural, and very effective. My personal favorites are the mango flavor and the ultra moisturizing kokum butter variety. I avoid the tinted versions, they don’t seem to work as well.
Ginjury
My general understanding is that products like Aquaphor and Vaseline act more as a barrier/protectant than a moisturizer.
Anon
I’m addicted to Burt’s Bees – the Honey version is my daily go-to, and at night I apply the Extra Moisturizing. I read some reviews that said the Honey smells funky to them, but I don’t have that issue.
Anonymous
Primer – Dior Pore Minimizer
Foundation (depending on how my skin is feeling, what is planned for the day and how tan I am) – Armani Luminous Silk, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Chanel Mat Lumiere, Dior Forever, or Dior Airflash
Highlighter/concealer – YSL Touche Eclat
Setting powder – YSL Radiance compact (only with select foundations and only on the t-zone)
Eyeshadow primer – NARS
Eyeshadow – I usually use a mid-tone wash of color all over the lid and a touch on lower lid with a slightly intensified outer corner (a la Lisa Eldridge) or something a bit more glam like Chanel Ebloui
Mascara – YSL Effet Faux Cils is hands down the best mascara on the market, I love it so much
Lips – Dior Lip Maximizer
It takes me about 10-15 mins
Famouscait
Face: Bobbi Brown Foundation or BB cream, or Clinique Almost Powder
Lips: Soft Lips chapstick, Tarte lip stains or Jouer lip gloss (highly recommend – not at all sticky)
Eyes: Bobbi Brown long wear cream shadow in Shore – my perfect base color
Cheeks: Nars Orgasm, Smashbox powder or cream blush, Benetint, or Stila cream blush
Mascara: Loreal Voluminous (in the gold tube)
Eyeliner: Smashbox always sharp kohl liners in either copper brown or navy blue
Total time is 5 minutes.
A Nonny Moose
At a minimum: origins SPF 30 moisturizer, purple blinc mascara and Laura Mercier lip color in Mulberry.
Depending on the day I often add:
Bare minerals matte
Laura Mercier concealer
Laura Mercier blush
Occasionally add:
Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer (with SPF, so I skip my usual moisturizer these days)
Bare minerals mineral veil
Laura Mercier purple eyeliner
Clearly I use a lot of LM products altho I’m trying to cut them out (not replace empty tubes) because I’m working on not using products that test on animals. I do dearly love their tinted moisturizer and lip stain though.
A Nonny Moose
Oh and usually (and always when I wear glasses) I add YBF brow pencil.
Anon
I wanted to ask this question myself.
I am just starting out with makeup. Till a couple of weeks back, I used to apply The Body Shop Vitamin e moisturizer and Burts Bees lip balm and no other products.
3 weeks back, I some how felt that I should show up at work more put together. So I am doing the following:
1. Avalon Vitamin C serum
2. The body shop vitamin e moisturizer
3. Covergirl pressed powder
4. Loreal Voluminous mascara
5. Lancome pencil eyeliner
6. Burts Bees lip balm
My problem is dark area around the eyes. It is not only under the eyes but on the lids as well. The skin around my eyes is very sensitive and thin. So I am scared to do anything. Looking for recs if there are good concealers or some other product which would help me.
Aggie
Do you use an eye cream at night? I use Lancome Renergie Eye day and night (they now sell a duo which is the eye cream plus a concealer/veil.) There are hundreds of eye creams on the market and they all have different benefits/uses but each one combats dark circles on both the under eye and lid. I use Lancome because my mother has always used it, but before you take the plunge, ask for samples and give each cream a 2-3 day test.
AIMS
I use Origins Eye Zing (?) under eye cream. I don’t think it actually makes anything lighter (nothing does) but it’s light reflecting so it makes the whole area look better and brighter. I put it on in the morning, do a little concealer or BB cream over it, and then sometime also do just a touch more on top.
Origins is pretty non-irritating usually, so maybe give it a shot?
PS: I also love the BodyShop Vitamin E moisturizer and I LOVE L’Oreal mascara.
Anon
Thank you ladies for suggestions. I will make a trip to the mall this weekend and see if I can get samples of the products that you recommended.
L in DC
I also have really thin skin on my lids that shows capillaries/veins. I use eyeshadow primer and then a matte, nude-for-me eyeshadow. It makes my eyelids look even and also helps my eyeliner stay put.
Anon
Undereye circles are my biggest complaint. I’m pretty fair and have blue-purple circles under my eyes. Your best bet is to go to a Sephora and let them help you find something that will work for you. I’m currently using Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)able Full Cover Concealer in color 1 – Awake. It would probably cover even better if I was more patient and applied it in layers, and/or if I set it with powder.
TO Lawyer
I have a sephora addiction so my list is probably longer than necessary but:
Foundation: Armani
Undereye Concealer: Armani
Eyes: Currently love the Urban Decay pencil eyeshadows, or the benefit cream shadows
Eyeliner: UD 24/7 pencil, Stila smudgeproof
Mascara: Love the MUFE smoky eyes I think it’s called?
Blush: Currently love the Too Faced one in the shape of a heart, also like Benefit and Mac blushes
Lips: currently YSL lipstick. I also like the Too Faced lipsticks and the Buxom ones – I’m a big fans of lipsticks that are a bit more sheer for the daytime
I am also addicted to the rosebud lip balm and have one practically everywhere
Rachelellen
Right now using, seriously, Maybelline BBcream because after 3 weeks of trying every dept. store brand sample known to man I decided it was the best, an eyeliner I heard about from Lisa Eldridge called Prestige Total Intensity, Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara, and a Mac blush that’s either really pretty or makes PPP me look like a clown. I can’t tell. And if any DC ladies have suggestions on where to go to talk with a makeup professional who is not a 22-year-old theater wannabe but can seriously help someone clueless figure it all out, I’d love recommendations.
Bare Minimum
When the from-the-mother-ship pros from Laura Mercier come to the Neiman’s at Chevy Chase, those people are amazing. Maybe they are also good there on a daily basis, but they were the only makeover people I adored. Maybe you could sign up for that store’s special events e-mails?
Anonymous
You might try maskcara.com if you want tutorials. Her blog changed my whole make-up look about a year ago and I have yet to go back. I don’t do all the HAC stuff she does (highlight and contour), but she has a nice focus on eyes that I really love. I get compliments now on how polished I look day-to-day, and my routine takes <5 minutes.
MollySolverson
Wow, thank you for this rec! Her makeovers are fantastic.
Wildkitten
I added her to my feedly!
KinCA
Second the rec for Maybelline BB cream. I’ve tried dozens (both drug & department store brands) and it’s the clear winner.
Pink NYC
Did you try garnier? I’ve heard good things about that BB cream. I’m coming to the end of my face sunscreen (ROC, Love it!) and debating BB cream again (did not like the shisheido one that was gifted to me).
Yes
Love Garnier products in general like the undereye roller, but the Maybelline BB cream is better! Also Neutrogena – love their version of a chubby stick – they feel and taste fantastic.
Anon for this
I use the following (in this order)
Bare Minerals Tinted BB Primer
Maybeline yellow concealer stick
Urban Decay eyelid primer
Two face chocolate bronzer (contour)
Bare minerals ready foundation
Bare minerals ready blush- faux paux
Physicians formula black liquid liner
Eyelash curler/Cover girl mascara
Finish with a setting spray.
Plus occasionally a white corrector/concealer as a highlight, if I’m not late to work at that point.
Takes me 10-15 minutes and I do my hair in between steps when products are drying.
Bare Minimum
I have dark hair and eyes and eyelashes and fair (although ruddy) skin that is very oily and lips that are pretty red on their own if I’m getting enough iron (weird, but helps me eat better). Any makeup that can stand out on that coloring is probably too much for work. That said:
BE Mineral Veil
Some sort of reddish chapstick like Burt’s Bees
My eyelashes are dark on their own and mascara tends to travel (see: oily skin; see also: allergies), so I own it (drugstore brand) but don’t use it.
I see how makeup can be transformative, but it has never worked for me and lasted for more than a few hours.
In case it matters:
law
40s
southeast
not a litigator
hoola hoopa
I wear tinted sunscreen. And that is all. It’s full face or nothing for me (IMO my coloring looks odd with just mascara, for example), and I only do full face for special events.
Bonnie
Trader Joe’s SPF 15 moisturizer
Tarte BB cream
MAC paint pot in bare study (as a base with slight tint)
Physician’s Formula Eye Brightener (discontinued so I have to find a replacement)
Shu Umera or MAC eyeshadow in plum or brown in the crease
whatever mascara I’m trying out this week
My favorite blush was also discontinued so I’m looking for something new. Any suggestions for cream blush that can be applied with fingers?
Calico
Yes! I love Revlon Photoready. It looks insanely bright in the pot but it goes on to a lovely rosy glow.
Digby
Tarte airblush – I started using it after my favorite Urban Decay cream blush was discontinued, and I’m really happy with it – about to repurchase, in fact.
Lorelai Gilmore
I do quick and dirty makeup. I use
*Bobbi Brown BB cream (often mixed with my moisturizer),
*the BeneFit Big Beautiful Eyes Palette (light color on lids, and a brown eyeshadow as eyeliner)
*lipstick, varies wildly depending on the day
On fancy days, I might add
*Tarte powder blush
*concealer under my eyes
For me, the biggest bang for the buck is eyeliner.
One question: I have abandoned mascara ever since last year, when I realized my eyelashes were falling out. (probably stress, but daily curling and mascara doesn’t help.) Anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions?
In case it matters,
law, 30s
CA
litigator
L in DC
This sounds strange, but I’ve noticed that eating more red meat seemed to make a difference in both how thick my hair is and how thick my eyelashes are. I mean, obviously I’m just assuming it’s the meat-eating because I was making an effort to eat more red meat and didn’t have any other changes in my diet/routine.
Aggie
After my skincare products (sunscreen, moisturizer, eye cream) my typical routine is:
Smashbox primer
Nars concealer
Mac Studio Fix Pressed Foundation
Mac Peachykeen blush
Lancome Aquacils Mascara
Revlon Colorburst Balm-Stain in either Honey or Rendevous
The primer and lip stains have been my two solutions to insure my makeup stays on longer. I currently use the Photo Finish light, but I switch back and forth between the light and the luminizing.
Monday
Walgreen’s store brand SPF 55
-sometimes- Aveda tinted moisturizer
Too Faced sweethearts powder blush, which is a combo of 3 colors I swirl together
Nars Black Moon eyeliner as an eyebrow pencil to fill in the gaps in my eyebrows
Eyeliner in either brown-black, black, or a sheer shimmer (Lancome kohl or Makeup Forever aqua eyes, lately)
Lip color that is either understated (to go with dark eyeliner) or bright (to go with sheer shimmer)
Clinique waterproof black mascara
This takes about 5 minutes as well.
anon
Face: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation
Concealer: Maybelline FIT (allegedly the drugstore equivalent of the NARS, but haven’t tried it myself)
Mascara: Maybellien Full & Soft (often waterproof)
Eyeliner: Urban Decay 24-7 in… Deception? Dark brown color.
Blush: NARS Matte Multiple in either Laos or Exuma – love, love, love
If I’m feeling fancier –
Eyeshadow: any matter of nude shade palette, right now I like Naked Basics
Highlighter: RMS Beauty or NARS Luminzer in Copacabana
Contour/Bronzer: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
When I use primer – either Smashbox Photo Finish or Makeup Forever HD Microperfecting primer in neutral
jc
Can anyone recommend a BB cream without titanium dioxide? Similar to the rosacea/sunscreen thread from last week, TD really irritates my skin but I’d like to try a BB cream since it seems like lots of ladies here do. Thanks!
Small Town Attorney
I won’t leave the house without moisturizer, poweder, and mascara, but my day-to-day routine looks like this:
Aveeno tinted moisturizer
L’Oreal True Match loose powder
Maybelline eyeshadow quad (neutral color)
(Sometimes) liquid eyeliner in brown or black
(Sometimes) Maybelline eyebrow pencil
Revlon Photoready mascara
Lip color varies a lot, but I’m currently wearing a lot of lip stain.
I’d like to get away from my all-drug-store makeup regime, but it’s working for me right now, and makeup is expensive enough as it is. Also, with inexpensive products, I feel like I can experiment more.
BB
Pretty minimalist too!
Sunscreen: Kiehl’s moisturizer
Concealer under eyes: Tarte (loooove this stuff)
Powder: Lorac
Eyeshadow: Lorac in a really light, slightly sparkly taupe (very neutral)
Black eyeshadow as eyeliner
Mascara
Lipstick (Nars Tonkin) while waiting for red lights in car :)
KinCA
Moisturizer: Shisiedo Ibuki Refining Moisturizer
Eye Cream: Alba Botanica Green Tree Eye Gel
BB Cream: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
Concealer: Benefit Boi-ing Concealer
Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay Powder Blush
Bronzer (occasionally): Too Faced
Eyeliner: Ulta’s store brand
Inner Rim Liner: Tarte EmphaEYES in nude
Mascara: Covergirl Lash Blast
I didn’t think it was a lot, but after listing it all out, it kind of seems to be!
Anonymous
My pretty standard routine is:
1. Some sort of moisturizer – I switch brands, but right now I’m using a Peter Thomas Roth one that I like.
2. Primer – Tarte, love this always use it.
3. YSL foundation
4. Nars concealer, blended with beauty egg
5. Nars cream blush
6. Benefit Coralista blush over that
7. Urban Decay eyeliner
8. Eyeshadow from Urban Decay Naked pallette (I switch this up)
9. Bare Minerals mascara
10. Brow shadow (I have the Dior pencil and the Anastasia powder – I switch it up)
Nothing on my lips. If I have extra time, I’ll use a bronzer and/or a highlighting powder.
Takes about 10 mins.
Anon
It makes me really sad how prevalent the use of animal-tested cosmetics & personal care products is when there are abundant alternatives that require only slightly more effort / information to find. If well educated, enlightened women do not care, then there is no incentive for companies to modify their archaic, barbaric polices that are driven primarily not by health / safety concerns but the desire to make a larger profit by selling in China (where law requires animal testing) rather than passing up that market like many companies with integrity choose to do.
Sigh. I’m not personally criticizing anyone who uses animal-tested products; I am sort of despondent about how uphill this battle is, though.
lucy stone
What are some of your favorites? I looked at the list on Leaping Bunny and I can’t find any of those products in my town to sample.
Anon
For makeup, I like Tarte, Lorac, Too Faced, and Physician’s Formula. Most major drugstore brands test on animals, even Almay, because it’s a Revlon company. A lot of Sephora brands do too.
If you care about this issue, please pay attention to the cosmetic line’s parent company as well. E.g., Bobbi Brown says no animal testing, but is owned by Estee Lauder, which does it. Estee Lauder and L’Oreal own a LOT of formerly independent cosmetic lines. Laura Mercier is one of the sketchy “where required by law” which means yes, animal-tested if they sell in China, which they do.
Leaping Bunny, Crueltyfree.org, Humanely Chic and My Beauty Bunny are good resources.
Anon
For non cosmetic personal care stuff, I do a lot of organic cleansers & lotions, not necessarily because I care about organic product but because they typically don’t test on animals. So Alba, Jason, Kiss My Face, etc. CeraVe is a cruelty-free drugstore brand. Burt’s Bees does not test on animals, but it’s owned by Clorox.
BB
If it makes you feel any better, I read your comment and immediately went to google all the brands I use and whether they test on animals. I don’t think any of them do, thankfully. The only one I couldn’t figure out was my Dior mascara.
Anonymous
If it makes you feel any better, I read your comment and immediately went to google all the brands I use and whether they test on animals. I don’t think any of them do, thankfully. The only one I couldn’t figure out was my Dior mascara.
Anon
“unless required by law” or “where required” are usually references to Chinese law. And since the companies do not create one set of products for China and another for other markets, it means their products (or certain ingredients) are tested on animals.
Anon
Dior does use animal-tested ingredients. One shortcut— you can see that Sephora China sells their products.
BB
Ugh. Sucks. This is the one product that I use that I’ve tried alternatives and can’t seem to find anything better. :( It’s the DiorShow Waterproof Mascara. It’s way less clumpy and lighter than any other brand I’ve used. Suggestions welcome!
Anon
You’re making my day!!
If you need waterproof, Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Splashes survived my wedding. If you can get past the corny name and slightly weird packaging.
BB
Will totally try the Tarte one! I already use and love their concealer sticks. I suspect the Dior’s advantage is in its brush shape anyway (and I keep the used,cleaned brushes to clean up clumps anyway).
Blonde Lawyer
I care too so thank you.
SFAttorney
I agree. Thanks for raising the issue.
Anon
Not everyone cares about your issue though – not to falsely stir up controversy but I just think your comment is a little condescending. I choose the products I use because I like them and they work well with my coloring and skin.
Do you also not shop from most mass retailers because they produce clothes in developing countries?
Blonde Lawyer
Personally and sadly, I find it is a lot easier to find cruelty free make up and other products than it is to find humanely made clothing. I buy humanely raised meats and cruelty free personal care products. When a “made in america” option is available (like yoga clothing, yay!) I buy it. But for the majority of stuff (suits) where I am really hard pressed to find stuff that isn’t made in countries whose labor practices I support, I am stuck buying what I can buy.
Blonde Lawyer
*that is made in countries whose labor practices I support*
or
that isn’t made in countries whose labor practices I don’t support*
Sigh – would love an edit function.
(First) Anon
You’re right, not everyone cares about “my” issue. That makes me sad and frustrated, but that’s because I care deeply about it. It’s everyone’s right not to care about it. If my expression of sadness was condescending, I apologize. I do really appreciate the commenters who engaged in a dialogue about it.
Scout
Ditto with the other commentators, your comment really made me think and I researched my own makeup and skin care products. I’m horrified by what I found out. I ignorantly assumed that a lot of the “nicer” more expensive brands wouldn’t test on animals. So thank you and your comment really resonated with me today. I’m going to work on replacing my makeup and skin care with humane products. I hope people do keep raising their own pet issues on boards like these.
Lorelai Gilmore
Any suggestions for really great skin care products, preferably with retinol-like ingredients and SPF, that are not tested on animals? I have been woefully ignorant of this issue, but am willing to switch – I just need some guidance. It takes time to be an educated consumer and I could use some shortcuts!
mascot
I think Paula’s Choice is on the cruelty free list. For my daily facial sunscreen, I like Juice Beauty CC cream
Digby
For Lorelai below (couldn’t reply directly) – Paula’s Choice might work – they say they don’t animal-test.
PinkKeyboard
I appreciate your comment. I have been diligent in my (and my husband’s) personal care products but haven’t thought to check my make up. Honestly I probably won’t carry my check through the parent company, as long as my purchases were not tested on animals I feel like I’m voting with my dollars to support non animal tested products.
InfoGeek
Another 5 minutes max person.
* Garnier Skin Renew Daily Moisturizer (on my neck)
* Maybelline BB Cream
* Almay Smart Shade Smart Balance Pressed Powder
* Almay Intense i-color eye shadow for blue eyes (just one color most of the time)
* Almay Intese i-color eye liner
* Mary Kay True Dimensions lipstick
backgrounder
Primer: Smashbox Photofinish light
Foundation: Urban Decay Naked Skin liquid
Concealer: NARS creamy concealer
Mascara: CoverGirl LashBlast
Pressed powder: MAC select sheer
Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown gel
Lipstick: Bobbi Brown
Diana Barry
I am super minimalist:
moisturizer (origins w/ spf)
tarte lipsurgence stick (about 50% of the time)
mascara (about 10% of the time)
anastasia brow powder (about 25% of the time)
If I am going out I will do eyeliner and eyeshadow too, maybe some concealer, but I don’t wear those things for everyday. I have never ever gotten in a routine with foundation, either.
Pink NYC
Goodness, I feel like a slacker.
everyday routine: moisturizer/sunscreen – ROC Multi-Corexion 5in1
If I’m feeling it (7% of the time): eyeliner (MAC liquidlast liner); eyeshadow (tarte); lipstick (various).
L in DC
Moisturizer/sunscreen: Murad vitamin C
Eyelid primer: Urban Decay
Eye shadow: a matte, nude-for-me color (haven’t found a brand I like yet)
Eyeliner: Stila black liquid liner pen
Mascara: whatever Sephora free sample I have
This is my basic makeup routine (takes 5 minutes). If I have an extra 2 minutes and am feeling fancy, I add foundation/blush as follows:
Foundation: Josie Maran argan oil foundation (my skin runs on the dry side)
Blush/bronzer: NARS palette
Lily student
Either the Boots Botanics BB cream or the Soap and Glory Feel Good Factor depending on how dry my skin is feeling, how sunny it is, or if I want coverage
Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer
Bourjois Healthy Balance powder
Rimmel Scandaleyes pencil in Brown
No7 mascara – can’t remember its name but it’s the one in the red sparkly tube, in brown
Bourjois cream blush in shade 01 Nude Velvet
Then sometimes the Body Shop Honey Bronzer, and whatever lip I can be bothered with: usually some kind of a tinted balm; I’m currently obsessed with the No7 BB Lips in Geranium
Anon-Y
Face: Bellapierre mineral foundation (as both foundation and concealer – I use a buffer brush and follow with more on a concealer brush). If I have an event or a long day in court I use Nanoblur as the last step in my skincare routine, allow about 5 minutes extra for it to dry.
Cheeks: Bobbi Brown Pink Coral
Finishing Powder: Shiseido pressed translucent powder
Eyebrows: K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyebrow (like a little brush-tip marker)
Eyes: Urban Decay primer, Naked Basics Palette, Clio black liquid liner and mascara
Lips: Nothing, or Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Raspberry if feeling fancy.
Total time about 10-15 minutes
Skincare and hair usually takes about an additional 5 – 8 minutes – I blow-dry and style my hair while skincare is absorbing.
houda
I’m currently on a minimalist routine:
Under eye concealer: Kevyn Aucoin Sensual skin Enhancer
Concealer: MAC Prolongwear
Powder: Revlon Nearly Naked
Mascara: Covergirl Lashblast
Tightline: Avon Glimmerstick in black (top) , Avon teal liner (bottom)
Blush: Essence Blush up, or TheBalm instain
Lips: Revlon Kissable balm stains – Avon extra lasting
I do not use foundation in summer months
Care
What’s the general opinion on trumpet skirts? I like how they look more feminine, but I don’t want something that isn’t office appropriate.
AIMS
I don’t think they’re inappropriate but I am not a huge fan personally. I don’t love the look and I can never keep them from getting wrinkled/creased oddly when I sit down.
Orangerie
I think they’re cute, and perfectly office appropriate in all but the most extremely conservative settings. I do however think they are less of a workhorse than a traditional pencil skirt, mostly because it’s just a more memorable piece and thus can’t be worn as frequently.
hoola hoopa
+1
I like them and have one, but it’s not a staple. While I think they are appropriate for most offices, I would pick and choose which days I wear it because of the more feminine look. I work in a field where there are moments when I don’t want “feminine” to me one of the top words that describe my look.
Spirograph
I’ve seen lots on other women I think look great, but it’s not a shape I feel comfortable wearing. I feel like my lower half is too va-va-voom if I add the extra flounce vs just a pencil skirt. I’m slightly pear shaped, so maybe it’s a more flattering/professional look on women with narrower hips? Or I could be overly critical of myself.
NYNY
Agree that trumpet skirts are booty enhancing, so they’re more office-appropriate on a straighter figure than a curvier one.
Avril
I think it all depends on the fit and how much flounce. If it’s very snug then it would probably not be appropriate for work. I recall seeing a picture of a model wearing one in O magazine, very snug around the hips and then flaring out which made for a very curvy look—not what you are going for. I have two of these skirts, wool both fit well but are not that snug, even got complimented when wearing one. If you like it I say go for it.
Boardroom Belles?
Does anyone know what happened to this site? I haven’t seen any updates in a long time and was curious if it was still functional or if I was just that out of the loop. I liked their style.
Ellen
Yay Kat! I agree with you that we must be VERY CARFUL when we wear White, or even CREAM colored suit’s at work. I had a beautiful suit my mom bought me when I gradueated law school, and I realy could NOT wear it when I did process serveing b/c I was on the run to much. So when I came here, I started to wear it, but the office furniture (especialy my desk chair) was so dirty and moldy that my seat got discoloured almost immedeaitely, and then I could NOT get the dry cleaner to get the dirt out of both the suit’s seat as well as the arm’s, which I rest on the anceint chair’s we have here. FOOEY! The desk chair I had was so dark and dirty that I thought it was maroone, but in fact it had been red when new (probabley in 1970), and it smelled funny. Alan thought I had digestive issue’s, but it was the seat I sat on all day that smelled, NOT me. DOUBEL FOOEY! So I had to give that suit away. Since then, I have stuck to darker color’s, and have inherited the manageing partner’s chair (which also was old), but not as smelley as the one I had origineally. TRIPEL FOOEY!
When we move, we are getting all new furniture, and I will be abel to decorate my own office. I think I will get all light wood — Norweigean I think, so that it can complement my compeaxion. YAY!!!! Meanwhile, I keep getting text’s from the manageing partner’s brother. I have to figure a way to get him tactefully OUT of my life b/f he wind’s up embarasing me. FOOEY! If the hive has any idea’s, I will sureley listen!!!!!
Bonnie
The peplum jacket doesn’t seem to have a peplum. http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?zoomImage=41079083_1009&id=prdi32288&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat80022&sortKey=Default§ion=Sale&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008&siteID=QFGLnEolOWg-YeGFeYAZlVwOm2elVq030A&rootConcept=Misses
AIMS
It’s probably in the back. Talbots LOVES a back ruffle.
Bonnie
You’re probably right AIMS. Would be nice if they included a picture of the back of the jacket.
BB
Seriously, what is up with this? They had this wool blazer last year that came in this really nice blue color, but when I looked at the zoomed in photo, it had this weird gathered part at the back waist. Totally ruined the lines of the blazer. I later saw a woman wearing it in person and the gathered ruffle thing made it look really frumpy. Glad I didn’t buy it!
BB
I hope it’s not in the back…that being said, they might be saying “peplum” because the bottom half of the blazer is a separate piece of fabric. Technically, it’s a peplum, just not very flouncy.
Wildkitten
That’s what I was thinking. On the plus-sized model it looks like it might be a peplum “cut” that is quite flattering on her curvy shape, but wouldn’t look purposely peplum on anyone.
Lily student
I have a BR blazer that could be described as having a peplum purely because the bottom half is a separate piece of fabric (and the plaid runs in a different direction), but is not a peplum jacket.
Samantha
I’ve been a longtime follower and occasional poster on this site and have gotten much good advice from it. I’m concerned about a few things that have been going on recently:
1. Way fewer comments per post and the helpful community I’ve known and loved is slowly dissipating.
2. A higher proportion of unhelpful (ranging from subject-policing, snarky to downright trolling) comments, almost all anonymous
3. No response by Kat (or her editor Kate) to any of the above.
4. A long slew of guest posts. It’s not like Kat to be checked out for such an extended period. I hope all is well with her and her family.
So what to do about it? I miss the community and advice here and if Kat wants to resurrect the following she had, I hope she steps in and puts in guidelines for what she wants.
And perhaps the onus is on us (ha!) to report more posts that do not add to a productive and polite dialog? My bar to report a comment has until now been very high (obvious trolling only) but I feel that this is a tool we can perhaps exercise in order to collectively decide what we’re willing to tolerate or not on this site.
TL;DR: I miss the community we had and would like to jointly (with Kat & Kate) think of ways to get it back.
roses
This has been hashed and re-hashed on here. If you would like to volunteer to moderate or write for the blog, email Kat. Otherwise, you’re contributing to the problem by inviting more snark about your snark comment.
Anonymous
Kat just had a baby less than a month ago (or maybe exactly a month ago now).
Mpls
And to point 3, she’s been pretty hands off about the comments all along, except for tech issue questions.
AEK
I apologize for responding to your comment with what will sounds like a criticism, especially because I think your concerns are valid, and I share some.
That said: I am growing pretty weary of the meta-conversations about what this site is, should be, or used to be. It doesn’t make a difference, and it just injects more criticism and negativity into the dialogue here.
LH
+1 There was one thread a couple months ago where everyone shared their thoughts on how its changed, what they like and don’t like and what they want to see going forward. It had a couple hundred comments and was really interesting. But I’m not sure what good rehashing that conversation over and over again is doing. And I say this as someone who has always come here for the comments and not the fashion (I don’t spend that much money on clothes and Kat’s style is pretty different than mine).
And Kat announced several times that she had a baby and is taking a maternity leave with guest posters filling in.
LH
Reposting, in moderation for reha$hing I guess…
+1 There was one thread a couple months ago where everyone shared their thoughts on how its changed, what they like and don’t like and what they want to see going forward. It had a couple hundred comments and was really interesting. But I’m not sure what good reha$hing that conversation over and over again is doing. And I say this as someone who has always come here for the comments and not the fashion (I don’t spend that much money on clothes and Kat’s style is pretty different than mine).
And Kat announced several times that she had a baby and is taking a maternity leave with guest posters filling in.
January
I agree. I’m sure, in some ways, the site is a victim of its own success — there are plenty of questions where you can just search old discussions to find the kind of advice you might be looking for. But the conversation about how the community used to be better was interesting the first couple of times around, and by now it is just contributing to my sense that things are not as interesting as they used to be. I doubt the old commenters who have departed will come back, really, and the best thing we can do is to try to keep the community here interesting so that new ones will want to join (and stay!).
I do agree that some of the unwarranted nastiness is a problem, but in my overall experience, this is still one of the more civilized corners of the ‘net.
L
I don’t mean to snark this, but stuff like this is why this site’s traffic is down. All the attempts to make this some clicky part of the interwebz instead of just a fashion blog where people can ask questions or scroll on by make it frustrating. If everyone stopped focusing on making things OMGsohelpful or reducing the snark or internet mean girls, it might actually be a 200-300+ post place again.
And Kat had a kid; I don’t think there’s anything so unusual about taking some time off.
Anon
Definitely there has been an increase in rude comments here when compared to a year back. At the same time, I have also noticed that the rude comments have reduced from last 2 – 3 weeks. I like the guest posts because it offers variety. But it is sad that we have less people commenting here now.
Anonymous
Honestly, this will probably be lumped into what you call a rude comment but 1) Kat had a baby and clearly stated that she would be on leave and 2) we get it, this site is different. Someone makes this comment every week! The site has changed and the commentators have changed. I don’t like it either- I think the quality of the comments has gone down but it is what it is. Its been at least a year like this so either ask more interesting questions and see if the comments change or find a new site. This site is what it is now, we don’t need to rehash the fact that its changed every week.
Samantha
Thanks all; you’re right that the meta-conversation is wearying, and I’m aware of Kat’s maternity leave. I do feel that she is losing her core audience rapidly and (despite her break) I wanted to call her attention to the problem. FWIW I do think the recent dropoff in comments is a very new phenomenon of the last 2 months.
Anon
If you’re aware she just had a baby, wtf? Why bring it up like its a mystery why there are guest posters and Kat’s hand’s off? Also, I’ve been reading this site for years too – the commenting public have turned over before, they’ll turn over again. Agree w/ the above person who said this conversation hurts the community more than it helps it. Should Kat/Kate censor these posts?
Silvercurls
I’ve also noticed the recent decrease in thought-provoked or thought-provoking comments. Perhaps this is the cyberspace equivalent of the real-world experience when the random patterns of many separate conversations briefly overlap for several seconds of shared silence. For most of us, life’s intensity waxes and wanes: times of crisis and deep contemplation alternate with calmer periods when one mostly thinks about mundane matters. Maybe people are just busy or–with the start of summer–finding activities other than staying indoors and screenside to consider serious topics or problems.
My own previous habit of posting long, carefully considered comments got washed away when a new job unexpectedly increased in hours and intensity. Like others, I miss this community but cannot continue the same level of cyberspace participation and also meet my real-world obligations.
Few circumstances stay the same indefinitely in our hectic modern world. (Yes, there are exceptions for good friendships, marriages, and family relationships…and also for some dysfunctional relationships unless or until people Finally Have. Enough. and. Decide. to. Change.). It’s sad but we have to accept it and adapt.
Gah–just looked at the clock. Many, many bonus points to the person who can convincingly explain how my posting after midnight represents a healthy choice?!
Anonymous
Has anyone tried Orange Theory Fitness? Do you like it?
Wildkitten
No but I hear good things. And not just because I have a crush on Brendon Ayanbadejo (but partially…).