ByKat Hours Updated
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Thursday’s TPS Report: Antique floral cap-sleeve blouse

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Antique floral cap-sleeve blouseToday's shirt was actually recommended in the comments a while back — as a reminder, ladies, if you find anything in your browsing/shopping/buying that seems great for the TPS report, please pass it on! In any event, we do like this beautiful silk top from Talbots — it's like a more dressed-up version of a t-shirt, and we love that it has sleeves. (We also love that it comes in petites, plus, and plus-sized petites.)  It's also on sale — as are a number of other great pieces, so browse around. Was $80, now $37.50 at Talbots. Antique floral cap-sleeve blouse If you'd like to recommend a piece for the TPS report, please email editor@corporette.com and put “TPS” in the subject line. Thank you! (L-0)

Sales of note for 3/21/25:

  • Nordstrom – Spring sale, up to 50% off: Free People, AllSaints, AG, and more
  • Ann Taylor – 25% off suiting + 25% off tops & sweaters + extra 50% off sale
  • Banana Republic Factory – 40% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – $39+ dresses & jumpsuits + up to 50% off everything else
  • J.Crew – 25% off select linen & cashmere + up to 50% off select styles + extra 40% off sale
  • J.Crew Factory – Friends & Family Sale: Extra 15% off your purchase + extra 50% off clearance + 50-60% off spring faves
  • M.M.LaFleur – Flash Sale: Get the Ultimate Jardigan for $198 on sale; use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – Buy 1 get 1 50% off everything, includes markdowns

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

75 Comments

  1. I ordered this shirt. The print and color are just as beautiful in person. It is sheer, but it has a built in removable cami that snaps into the top of the shirt. It’s really lovely, but I don’t love the sheerness or that the cami is shorter than the shirt, which necessitates a tuck. The sleeves also didn’t work on me. But all that said, it’s beautiful fabric, color, and pleating around the neck.

    1. I’m on a shopping ban and I’m glad I read your comment because now I no longer feel bummed that I can’t buy this!

      I really like it, but – designers – ENOUGH already with the sheer/semi-sheer shirts that are supposedly work-wear. Helloooo, bra straps – no one wants to see you at the office (and the answer is not a strapless bra – if I have to wear a strapless bra, then the top is definitely not for the office!). Rant over. I miss opacity.

      1. Agree! I can’t imagine wearing something sheer to work, and my office is business casual (no clients coming in)…

    2. I still haven’t returned it because it is beautiful enough that I really want it to work, but it just doesn’t for me with the sheerness. I didn’t get that from the picture at all. I thought it would be a substantial non-sheer silk.

      I did order another shell that was cream colored with pink/rose flowers all over it and a pink flowered band around the bottom that is perfect. It’s a non-sheer kind of ribbed silk with beautiful pleating around the neckline. Not too low cut. Beautiful print. I’m too lazy to go find a link, but it was beautiful in person.

    4. How much shorter is the cami? I like my camis to be a bit shorter than my shirts so I don’t have to tuck them and they don’t risk poking out.

        1. And it’s obvious because the top is sheer. She’s wearing white pants in the photo for a reason…

          1. Would it work to put a simple white cami under the shirt? One that’s your own, not the short one that comes with it. I’ve done that before with a few linen shirts that are a bit too see through if you stand in direct sunlight, and it’s actually nice to have that underlayer — makes everything hang better.

  2. This is beautiful! I was actually at Talbots yesterday and they had a lot of nice things on sale.

  4. I think this is lovely. I’ll have to check a store to see if they have it in my size.

  5. I have my second interview tomorrow for my dream job in the Federal government. I am beyond nervous (mainly because I need this job, as well as want it.) I don’t know if it’s a true interview or if they just want to reassure themselves that I am not crazy or anything. My clothes are set out, but it’s as hot as Hades here in DC.

    Advice? Support? Please?

    1. If it’s any consolation, it’s suppposed to drop 20 degrees overnight here in D.C. (low 70s when I checked last)…No real advice, but good luck!!!

    2. Congratulations for the interview! Don’t worry about the temperature– it’s way too hot today, but it’s only supposed to get into the low-to-mid 70’s tomorrow. There will be some showers, though, so bring an umbrella.

      If I were you, I’d go in expecting it to be a true interview. Maybe do a quick scan of the news to learn something current about the agency, like a new program they’re starting or a new law or regulation that may affect them.

      Good luck!

    3. I am a current Fed – I’d expect [another?] panel interview but we usually only do 1 in-person here. It took me a long time to feel comfortable with a group interview which is why I mention it.

      Concur with MPC and wish you luck.

    4. You got through the first round — congrats! That means you have what they’re looking for, and now you just need to affirm it. Give yourself that pep talk — I do a version and it helps me tremendously.
      Good luck!!!

    5. Congratulations! It will probably be air conditioned, so if you can surive the trek from the car/metro station to the building without melting, you’re good to go.

    6. GOOD LUCK!!! If they’re going through 2 rounds, I would assume that the interviews are “real” in that the second-round people will have the same input as the first-round. I’m assuming you’re meeting with different people on this go-round? How long has it been since your first round?

      Go in, be upbeat, be positive and knock ’em dead!

      And BTW, we only call back people when we’re serious. It’s not a guarantee of a job, but the vast majority of people do not make it to the second round.

      Signed, another Fed :-)

      1. THANKS! The first interview was a phone interview a month ago. They said they’d let me know in 3 weeks. 3 weeks and 2 days later they called me for an in-person interview. I’m only meeting with the person I had the phone interview with and his boss.

        I’m still REALLY nervous…

        1. I don’t know what your commute is like, but it might be worth it to treat yourself to a taxi ride? I used to be a total penny-pincher about things like that but nowadays sometimes my comfort and peace of mind are worth a little splurge. So if it will help you arrive more calm, cool (literally!), and collected…and it’s not astronomically expensive for you – give yourself a break. : ) You’ve obviously worked hard, maybe you deserve a treat.

  6. Bought it! I think even if the cami is shorter than the blouse, problem can be solved by fastening a skirt up a little higher in the waist…we’ll see. Anyway, thanks, Kat. Also snagged these basic pumps, on huge reduction, and apparently available in sizes from 5-11, as well as in lucky sizes in narrow and wide width! Very excited, as I was having a terrible time finding new basic pumps for under $50…

    http://www1.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi22985&rootCategory=cat70018&catId=cat440040&sortKey=Default&section=Outlet&conceptIdUnderSale=cat440040

    1. I bought these myself (in the navy). They arrived this week and I’m wearing them today. Very pleased with the comfort.

    1. I was wondering about that – to those who shop Talbots, are the clothes boxy? It looks that way in the photographs.

  8. It’s a big day if both Frump & Grump approve! I still want to know your relationship. Is it like Bert & Ernie?

    3. It is a big day. I’m a bit beside myself. It’s like how Santa Clause must feel when Bernie Madoff appears on his Nice List for the year. He just isn’t quite sure what to make of that.

  9. Talbots makes this same cut or style of blouse in a medium weight silk in other prints. I tried on one of the sheer/cami versions and had to have a saleslady extricate me from it. No thanks. Bought the non-sheer silk version in a paisley print and it is wonderful. Note to the large-busted: this really flatters and fits – the pleating at the front allows for some extra fabric so that there is not the usual snugness or pulling. That said, it looks great on others as well.

    1. That’s what I thought it was going to be – a non-sheer thicker silk, which I would have loved. Agreed as well on having difficulty extricating myself from the sheer w/ cami version. I thought it was my own lack of coordination!

    2. Thanks for this! I’m not a fan of sheer, I love paisley, and I’m large-busted…. seems like I need to pop into Talbots this weekend!

  10. Looks beautiful in the photo but I have banned myself from buying anything from Talbots without trying it on in person first. I have wasted too much money on shipping costs buying stuff that looked gorgeous in photos but that turned out to be boxy and unflattering in person. Glad that others are finding good luck with the non-sheer version of this blouse.

    1. I think the problem is that Talbots uses clips more than other stores seem to. Even in the store displays it seems like every item of clothing is clipped to make it fit the mannequin correctly.

  11. Lukewarm on the top – like the pattern a lot but not sure about the style. More importantly, I want that clutch!

        1. Admittedly it’s been a while since I visited London, but I thought there was one (or at least used to be one?) on Kensington High Street, near the Notting Hill Gate station? I only noticed it, when I visited, because I was school-poor and so sad :( I couldn’t shop. That was years ago though.

          1. It seems there used to be one, but not any more.

            But one can’t complain too much – at least we are FINALLY getting Victoria’s Secret!

  12. Reading TPS reports and comments, I am totally bummed the Talbots at my local mall closed down

  13. Thread hijack!

    So I have a bit of a dilemma. I used to have very bad acne, which has thankfully subsided, but now I have fairly bad acne scars. I’m on a regime of scrubs/serums/masks/SPF and they are fading, but they are still quite visible. Here’s my problem – I’ll be working at a law firm this summer and I know I should wear makeup, but ALL makeup makes me break out. I have sensitive skin and it’s taken me a long time to find facial products that are right for my skin, and that can fade my acne scars without causing even more acne, but I’m at a loss re. makeup/covering my scars. I don’t bother to cover them up at school because I don’t want to have an acne flare-up, but what should I do over the summer? I’m pretty sure I can’t get away with not wearing foundation/powder as a summer associate. Help!

    1. Don’t feel like you have to wear makeup unless you want to wear makeup. I’m happy you found facial products that work for you!

      I don’t think that you “should wear makeup”. You “should” do what makes you feel best about yourself and content as long as it is within the realm of appropriate for the workplace. Not wearing foundation/powder is perfectly appropriate.

      1. Agree w/anon. If wearing makeup causes you to break out, it seems like the only option is not to wear it. This is perfectly work-appropriate. If anyone should dare say anything, which I doubt they would, just say that you have a medical condition and you can’t wear makeup.

        While most women at my work wear makeup, some do not, at it is really not an issue. Personally, I wear foundation/powder, blush, and lipstick, but no eye makeup because my eyes are super sensitive and I would just wind up looking ridiculous with red eyes and runny eye makeup by the end of the day. Does eye makeup cause you problems? If not, maybe you could experiment with wearing some eye makeup if you don’t feel comfortable wearing anything at all. But don’t feel obligated to wear anything if it is just going to exacerbate the acne and cause more scars!

    2. You can absolutely be a summer associate without wearing makeup (I am a 30-something partner without wearing makeup – not a perfect complection by any means, but like you, I have very sensitive skin that can be irritated by makeup). Do what is right for you, be who are you, and be confident about it.

    3. I think you can get away with lipstick only. Maybe some eye makeup. While full, subtle makeup looks a bit more professional to me, I think there are plenty of people who use a very, very light touch and look just fine. If a little bit of powder will make you break out, that’s probably not a worthwhile tradeoff.

    4. Talk to a dermagologist about getting microdermabrasian. It literally did wonders within a few appointments on easing some discoloration and scarring that I had. It wasn’t painful and I could see improvement right away that continued to be gained over time. (Depending on how bad your scars are, they may even recommend something more intensive, such as a professional peel; I’ve never had one though so I can’t comment as to results, discomfort, etc..)

      A good derm also can be a good source for recommending types of ingredients to avoid in cleansers and make-up that tend to trigger irritation. Everyone has different sensitivities though.

      Another thing that has really helped me is being very careful to not reuse applicators or sponges that have already touched my skin. (I prefer foundation that pumps, so you can apply with a clean finger each time you touch your face.) I think sometimes make-up breakouts are really the result of bacteria transferred through the means of application. At least for me, it has seemed to really help.

      1. I have similar problems (extreeemely sensitive skin prone to breakouts) and the only thing that works for me is Bare Escentuals. I’ve seen stand-alone stores in big cities, but it’s also available at Sephora.

        1. I switched to Bare Escentuals make-up several months ago and have been very happy…I too had acne which is clearing up with the help of a dermatologist and still have numerous scars. If you decide to try BE, get the “concealing” powder (can’t remember exactly what it’s called) in addition to the foundation powder. They say that the foundation is supposed to work as a concealer, too, but that hasn’t been my experience.

          BE has been wonderful. I’ve even slept in it a couple of nights (gasp!) and suffered no ill effects.

          If you want to avoid any foundation whatsoever, I say doing a nice neutral lipstick, some mascara and maybe a little eyeliner should give you a polished look. Having acne scars myself, I know that even when my skin is not at its best, it helps me feel better about myself to have some make-up on the rest of my face…I feel like I’m projected the image that I do make an effort.

    5. Well, you got the job so you interviewed sans makeup, right? I really don’t want to suggest in any way that you need to wear makeup. But if you want to, I’ve heard good things about Lush from a friend of mine who used to break out a lot before switching to the Lush (all natural) line. Also, though I do not have an acne breakout issue, I do have an issue that almost all makeup makes me have weird little beige bumps/red bumps/flaking, except Stila powder foundation. I know, you may have tested these brands already, but I thought I would pass that along. Good luck! And, while makeup can make you feel more polished and therefore confident (and thus why I wear it most of the time), no, it is not necessary.

      1. I never wear foundation as it’s way too hot & humid where I live. I tried to “blend in” with the makeup wearing hordes at first then just gave up. Now it’s moisturiser w/SPF+loose powder+lippie (maybe eyeliner if I have time) – that’s been my regimen for 5 years.

        Tip from Bobbi Brown M/up girl – grooming brows (stiff brush + eyeshadow powder) makes you look polished and helps you cut down on makeup!!

        1. Really? I always wear foundation when it’s hot and humid out – it’s the only way to keep the rest of my makeup from sliding off! Interesting.

    6. It’s no problem at all, at least out in CA. I’ve never worn foundation/powder at work and I don’t think any of the women attorneys I work with do either. I do medium-level eye makeup daily (2 shadows, liner, brows, and mascara) and occasionally remember lipstick. I think as long as you look like you made an effort to look nice, people will see that you’re taking your job seriously.

      If you’re especially concerned about it and want to explain without bringing it up to everyone, make a passing reference to “can’t wear foundation” to your assistant and pretty soon all the staff will know, and probably the female attorneys too. However, you *really* don’t need to do that.

    7. Agreed that you don’t have to wear make-up. Really, if you can just wear mascara and a little shadow, you will still look nice without needing to cover your face with anything (at least for me – I know some others blessed with naturally darker lashes and great coloring can go make-up-less; with a bare face, I look like I rolled out of bed)

      If you are looking for product suggestions, though, I have very sensitive skin, too. I find that I can’t use most products with chemical sunscreens (which is probably a good thing, considering the news this week). I’ve been using the DDF “enhancing” SPF 30 moisturizer/sunblock, bc it has a physical sunscreen. A plus is that it magically evens your skin tone, too, though it isn’t really tinted. Also, the Giorgio liquid foundation (which I wear when I have to give a presentation or go to a black tie event or something special like that), which also has a sunscreen (SPF20, I think), doesn’t irritate my skin and is the most natural-looking make-up I’ve come across (finally tried it bc it’s what Allure mag always recommends).

    8. I realize I am an employed attorney and not on a two-month long interview process as a summer associate, which may color my opinion, but I do not feel pressured to wear makeup in my medium sized firm. In fact, I wear foundation only half the time. Admittedly, I am young (29) and have relatively normal skin (usually a few bumps and blemishes every day) so that may help. But, I do sometimes find a little bit of mascara (redhead with light eyelashes), helps me feel a bit more put-together.

      There are a number of associates in my firm (and summer associates back when we had such things) who I have noticed don’t always wear makeup. No one to my knowledge has been fired or not hired because of it.

      We make so many compromises in our daily work appearances (dreary colors, high neck shirts, frumpy shoes, manly suits, no fun earings etc…), that I firmly believe that we should hold on to those things that are important to us. If no make up is something that is important to you because of your skin type, then by all means don’t wear makeup. Plus, it’ll be better for you in the long wrong – both for your skin and projecting to a potential employer who they would actually be hiring. Personally, I choose to foolishly cling to summer peep toe shoes as my little hint of rebellion… At least you have a good solid reason for your diversion from the so-called-rules!

    9. I think most women (including me) at my Biglaw firm in NY do not wear foundation/powder, though I’m not sure I would notice if they had the exact right shade and applied properly. I will say that when I do notice someone wearing foundation/powder, it’s usually because it doesn’t quite match her skin.

    10. Get a good, stylish haircut. Make sure your brows are appropriately groomed– as I understand it threading does not irritate skin nearly as much as waxing. Make sure your teeth are not overly stained by coffee/red wine (I hesitate to recommend an actually whitening treatment but it has helped some people feel more confident, while some people think it’s overkill– you decide.). Wear lipgloss/lipstick and mascara. Wear clothes that fit well. Smile and look people in the eye. All of these things will make you look appropriately groomed and no one will notice you don’t wear foundation/powder. If everything breaks you out and you are not comfortable wearing it, you shouldn’t wear it. If you want to find something, I find BareMinerals works for me and I also have acne prone sensitive skin.

    11. I think its fine to go without makeup, as others on here have said. Have you tried bare minerals? It seems to be by far the best solution for sensitive skin, if it would make you feel a little more comfortable. But, again, I really wouldn’t worry. Focus far more on making a good impression through your work product – it really is what counts the most at the end.

    12. Thanks everyone your comments.

      I know that part of the issue is my skin insecurity because of the hyperpigmentation/scarring I have – it was much much better a few years ago, then I had a bad year of illness and it got much worse. Hopefully my scars will fade by the end of this year.

      Also, I have tried Bare Minerals/Escentuals, and I loved it for the first week then it broke me out horribly. I just spent some time doing makeup “research” on google and it seems that Bare Minerals and a lot of the other makeup I’ve tried over the years have some ingredients (bismuth oxychloride, mica, corn starch) that are bad for acne-prone skin. So, I’ve ordered some samples of other brands without bismuth and corn starch, and with less mica, and will try them for a couple of days. If they don’t work out, I’ll just rock mascara, lipstick and a smile this summer. :)

      1. Trish McEvoy is great makeup, so I would recommend trying that. Her husband is a dermatologist, so I find the products are really well done.

    13. I have basically the same problems as you, and I wear Neutrogena Skin-Clearing foundation with a Neutrogena mineral powder on top (I’ve used both the skin-clearing powder and the mineral sheers and prefer the mineral sheers that comes in a compact with a sponge applicator). Coupled with my usual facewash and toner, it works great. Make sure you completely remove the makeup every night – I use a non-oily remover, wash my face, and then swipe with toner to make sure it’s completely clean.

  15. I love this top, but could never wear it with white pants or skirt (I never make it out of the house completely clean…my three children would see to that).

    Any styling tips for this? Navy, etc.?

    1. It would work well with navy. There are lots of blue shades in the print so that it would go fairly well with any navy. I was also planning on wearing it with light gray, brown, and tan.

      1. That’s actually what I like about it. Blue and white china seems clean and classic to me.

  17. Speaking of Talbots, I just got the sweater jacket mentioned in earlier post comments. It is awesome! The color is nowhere to even resembling the first picture (I linked to the second). I rarely wear petites or smalls, but I got a PS for fear of their “boxy” reputation, and it’s just right – almost like a cardi: http://bit.ly/ae8vpC

    I really think my style has become more polished + classic thanks to this blog. I definitely like Talbot’s, BR and Ann Taylor a whole lot more!

    1. I have that jacket in black and in a fuschia and love it. Great for weekends or more casual days at work!

  18. According to the Talbots site, my local store has it so I put it on reserve. I think it looks beautiful but I want the chance to see it in person and try it on.
    I think the pattern is absolutely beautiful!

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