Thursday’s TPS Report: Central Park West Cardigan

71 Comments

1. I really like that. (Not sure the colors work for me, but I do like the interesting details, particularly the pleat along the neckline.) It looks rather tailored, but made of soft material. Although:
   Viscose rayon/nylon/cotton/angora goat hair/cashmere; dry clean.

   I’d hand wash it, anyway.

2. Ooh, interesting. Great way to use darker-colored tees into winter — I’m going to think about ordering this one today!

   PS – thanks for the pre-9am post, Kat :)

3. Love this sweater! Does anyone have any experience with this brand? The sizing info says L = size 10, I’m normally a size 12, wonder if it is true to that sizing. Large is usually 12-14 in other brands. Would get it in black if I thought it would fit.

4. This is a nice find.

5. Love this!

6. I like it! Looks nice and structured.

7. Interesting piece! I find I am drawn towards pieces that are not what they appear to be. E.g. this is a sweater disguised as a blazer. Fabulous! This could work with so many things – pencil skirt, over the right dress, with sleek pants, and even with jeans on the weekends. Bravo TPS report!

8. Diwali ki shubhkamnayen to Corporettes who celebrate Diwali. I know there are a few! :)

   1. Happy Diwali to you as well and to all of my Desi Corporette sisters! :)

   2. Well.. I had to google it but great to know what Diwali means
      Enjoy this celebration

   3. I had a roommate from Delhi in college – Diwali turned into one of my favorite holidays because we would get to go feast at her aunt’s. Jealous, enjoy!

   4. Happy Diwali!

9. Not feeling this one. The “faux” jacket execution falls short in my opinion. Looks floppy, thin, and cheap. Pockets are hideous. JMHO.

   1. I am more concerned about those low buttons emphasizing my hips while the waist is baggy and undefined. These cuts are not for me.

      1. I think this wouldn’t look flattering on anyone short/busty/thick-waisted/wide-hipped, i.e., me.

10. Fantastic find! I love the color. I wish I wasn’t on a shopping ban.

    I wonder how it will hold up? Has anyone seen it in person- is it really thin material?

11. Not a huge fan but maybe it looks better on.

    I have an off-topic question: does anyone have any experience with dress alterations in the bust & sides of a dress? I ordered a gorgeous dress from BB last week, and to my disappointment, it is just a tad too loose in the top, around the bust & sides. Trading for a smaller size won’t work b/c I think a smaller size would be a little too tight/va va voom for work. The dress is really great otherwise, but I am just not sure how hard/expensive it would be to get it altered. I just paid $30 bucks to hem another dress w/a lining — the idea of paying somewhere around $100 for something like this doesn’t exactly seem appealing.

    1. I have had dresses taken in on the sides (my top is smaller than my bottom) and it worked beautifully. Also consider that they may be able to alter the shoulders.

       What concerns me more is that you’re paying a lot for alterations. $30 for a hem seems to me to be outrageous. I pay $7 for a hem (admittedly no lining) and $12 for an original hem (on my jeans) in NYC. I am sure that when I got my top altered it cost no more than $20. Admittedly the guy I go to is cheap, but I still think you’re paying too much…

       1. Who/where is your tailor?

          1. Upper East Side, NY — not a particularly posh place. Regular dry cleaner. Not sure why the overcharge.

             1. Thanks. I actually wanted to know who alhambra’s tailor was, since I know plenty of places that overcharge but nowhere that does a good job and charges a reasonable fee :)

             2. Haha, sorry!
                I would love to know, too, though :)

       2. I definitely think I paid too much for the hem! It was at my dry cleaners & I am not sure why they charged me so much but, unfortunately, I did not look until it was too late. When I asked, they said a regular hem is $20, with lining it’s an extra $10. I do feel a bit robbed & won’t be going to them again.

          But so glad it sounds like an easy enough issue to fix with the new dress! Thanks!!!

       3. http://www.yelp.com/biz/stanton-tailor-shop-new-york

          This guy is amazing and cheap. And also super-busy. You should try to go during the week or be prepared to wait for an hour during the weekend.

          1. Thanks!!!!!!!!

    2. I just got a dress at Nordstrom and the chest was too low/roomy. It was sleeveless, but the in-store tailors the have there charged $23 to fix the shoulders. I’m not sure how their prices compare to others, as when I see my tailor, it’s a simple fix. I can’t imagine taking in the sides would be much more complex, as long as you’re not messing with the darting or anything (but do correct me if I’m wrong!)

    3. I agree that you might be paying a bit too much. I pay around $100 to a full lined suit, and that’s a hem and practically every single dart on the thing altered. Honestly, the only time I’ve heard of someone paying more than $10-12 for a hem is when they’ve altered their wedding dress.

       However the alteration itself shouldn’t be difficult. They just rip out the darts and sew in new ones, taking in more fabric. You should try it on and they should pin it while you wear it so you can see how it would look to ensure it won’t turn out va-va-voom.

    4. Not sure $30 is totally unreasonable, depending on what the bottom of the dress was like. I paid $50 to hem a bridesmaids dress, but it had 3 or 4 separate layers at the bottom that all needed to be hemmed, and they were of various materials (satin, maybe?, a something like chiffon).

       1. that should be “and soemthing like chiffon.”

    5. Do you have a BB store near you? If so, go and ask if they can tailor it for you. I know if you pay full price for an item things like hemming and shortening sleeves are free. I don’t know if they would charge for more significant alterations or not, but it is worth asking.

       1. I had sleeves shortened at my BB on a jacket from BB outlet. They did a great job (though slow) and the price was fair. The tailor really knew his stuff, which was great. The sleeves on that jacket look a lot better than the sleeves I had shortened at my dry cleaner’s who does all my pants hemming. I would definitely use BB’s tailor again.

          1. May I ask what you were charged? I am curious what I am in for if I go for the official fix.

    6. I have had all my dresses, suits, etc. from Brooks Brothers tailored by them. It makes all the difference in the world and turns something just nice into looking amazing. I just build the cost of the tailoring into the purchase price. It’s unfortunate that it has to be this way, as men’s clothing comes unfinished at the hems and so forth so alterations are easy and therefore free, but that’s another argument for another day.

       I refuse to look merely nice when I can look fantastic because some clothing manufacturer is a goofball. Someday I will make them see the light.

       The advantage of having BB do the alterations themselves is that if a mistake is made, they will fix it. They will not (or should not) ever let you out of the store looking anything less than fantastic.

       1. Thanks, all! As always, I find the best advice here . . .

          I think I will try & see if they can do it at the nearby Brooks Brothers store — since my current place seems to be ripping me off anyway, might as well pay a bit more for BB alterations :)

          That said, if anyone has a rec for a good, not too pricey tailor in NYC, please do tell!

          1. The Times had a story a while back about a tailor on the LES. I had him tailor a suit, and he did an okay job given that the suit wasn’t much to begin with. He warned me that he wouldn’t be able to make it great, just slightly better (by moving the buttons and buttonholes). I don’t think he charged that much, although I honestly don’t remember how much I paid.

             You might want to check him out:

             http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/nyregion/11joint.html?scp=1&sq=tailor%20%22lower%20east%20side%22&st=cse

             1. this is my guy! goooooooo pablo!

          2. I just started going to a tailor in the LES at 264 Broome St. $4 for pant hems without lining, $6 with lining. $15 for jacket sleeves (with lining) hemmed. The quality has been very good so far. The price is worth the short train ride!

             1. Thanks, will check him out too — $4-6 for pant hems is about the right price!

    7. I don’t have a recommendation, but the main factor in price other than the lining is zipper placement. If you have a dress with a side zipper that needs to be taken in, the tailor will have to take apart that entire side to take it in and replace the zipper. For an unlined dress with a back zip, I recently paid $15 in FL. Usually I pay about $10 to hem pants and possibly a little more if they are lined.

12. Going off-topic a bit early since searching the archives doesn’t bring this up. A while back someone posted a link to a long camel coat with ruffles along the button area. Does anyone remember this and can tell me where the coat was? Or did someone buy it and can tell me about whether the fabric is nice, the sizing is normal, etc.? I know it’s a long-shot, but just in case someone does remember…

    1. This one? I’ve had it bookmarked for a few weeks now. :)

       http://www.garnethill.com/double-breasted-ruffle-trimmed-coat/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/coats-jackets/181431

       1. Ooh, I posted that! I also haven’t pulled the trigger & also still have it in my cart. Would love to know about fit/quality if anyone ordered!

          1. I bought this coat from Garnet Hill in black. I really need a calf length coat, and first I bought one from LL Bean which was frumpy and droopy–just no shape at all, so I sent it back.

             I had a 20% coupon from Garnet Hill, so their coat ended up costing only $12 more than the one from LL Bean.

             The fabric on the Garnet Hill coat is fine–it is not super amazing, but I haven’t found that anywhere for this price. It is soft, yet has enough structure the coat hangs well, open or buttoned. When the coat is on, you can see the ruffle, but it is such a subtle effect I think it will still be OK when ruffles go out of style.

             The only thing I would change is there is not a button high on the neck. This usually doesn’t matter with a scarf, but on super cold, windy days I might have liked to button the coat higher.

             I ordered one size up to make sure I can wear sweaters or jackets under the coat, and I think that will work perfectly. I ordered black instead of camel because I live in the northeast and was afraid the camel would get dirty from brushing up against things, especially my car.

             Hope this helps!

             1. Yes, this is the coat! Thanks all for the great info! I got caught up with work (shocker, I know) and couldn’t check back until now. I appreciate the help.

    2. I think it was from Garnet Hill… No experience with the fabric, etc. Cute coat, but I’m afraid it would quickly look dated.

    3. On the off chance that any of you are flexible on color, let me recommend a similar coat, the Tahari Eve. Really nice quality; I found it to run a bit large.
       http://www.smartbargains.com/go.sb?pagename=prod&fcloc=search&sp=All%2BProducts%252f%252f%252f%252fUserSearch%253dtahari%252f%252f%252f%252fAttribSelect%253dDepartment%253d%2527Women%2527s%2BApparel%2BBargains%2527%252f%252f%252f%252f&dk=tahari&deptid=9&catid=76&prodid=1411656178&t=Search…prod.13
       better views here: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3129312?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=0

       1. Very cute! But I already have a black wool coat, a black trench and short black coat, so I think another one would be a bit much. I wish SmartBargains had it in the dark blue that I see at Nordstrom’s.

13. I either like this, or I think that the combo of the shoulder pleats with blazer details is weird. I haven’t decided which.

14. Lovely! Do you know whether the pocket flaps lie flat and are neatly sewn? That would be important to me and my clients.

    By the way. Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale started yesterday and their career blazers and knitwear are fabulous. Great deals and fab pieces. Definitely worth a look!

15. Nice sweater – maybe just for the very slim – would not buy that type of blend as I want to make sure I can wash it and tht it will not itch.

16. I forgot to add that the reason I’m asking about the pockets is because this is a knit. It’s much harder to achieve a pristine pocket look in knitted fabric :)

17. Just curious what your thoughts are on this: a secretary on my floor puts on her makeup and does her hair every morning for 30 minutes in the communal floor bathroom. It absolutely creeps me out to go in there to use the restroom when she’s doing this; I’m not sure whether she’s on the clock, but I think it’s inappropriate regardless. I don’t think I’m in a position to say anything because I don’t directly supervise her, but am I the only one who thinks this is inappropriate? FWIW, this is a large law firm.

    1. If it is during her work time, then yes, inappropriate. Otherwise, no – it is a communal bathroom and she can stay in there for however long she wants – maybe if she were reading on the pot you would be less offended? Maybe she has a husband/roommate who works nights and she can’t use the mirror where she lives, or she prefers the lighting at work, or whatever. Not a big deal.

       1. I don’t think this is something I would ever “do” anything about, but I do think it is a bit inappropriate. To me a basic rule is that you don’t do (too much) grooming in the office. I understand those days when you were just running late & have no choice but to tuck away to the bathroom to fix yourself up, but this is every day & it’s 30 min.

          And, FWIW, I would not take too well to people reading on the pot in a work bathroom either. It’s a communal bathroom. Unless you have some medical need to be there for longer, it really should be an in & out kind of thing. No reading, no clipping nails, no making anyone you work with needlessly uncomfortable.

          1. Can I add, after yesterday’s discussion, no making/taking phone calls?

             Maybe I’m the only one but when someone is on the phone in the bathroom it makes me feel guilty for taking care of my business because I feel like I’m disturbing their quiet talking space – which is ridiculous because it is the bathroom! There are other appropriate places to make/receive phone calls – to relieve one’s self, not so much…

             1. Totally agree on the phone call thing. But my response would be to not hold back at all on the bathroom noises at al. Because it’s the bathroom. If you don’t want the person on the other end of the phone to hear me pee, find someplace else to talk.

             2. I completely agree, no telephones in the bathroom! It is rude to the person you are speaking with, and rude to others in the bathroom. I would be horrified to hear toilets flushing, etc., while speaking with someone. There are some lines of civility and courtesy that should not be crossed!

             3. Oh goodness, yes, absolutely no phone calls in the bathroom! It’s so gross to think that someone on the other end might be able to hear you pee. Ugh, this is my absolute pet peeve.

             4. Me too!! We have a fabulous cleaning lady at my office but she kind’ve camps out in the bathroom and loves to talk on the phone, it makes me feel like I’m intruding in her conversation.

       2. I don’t think it’s appropriate to take forever in the bathroom doing anything- be it reading on the toilet or applying makeup. We have a few people on supported employment at my workplace and one is receiving coaching that sitting on the toilet for 30 minutes at a time doing whatever is not appropriate unless you have a medical reason to be there.

          I think it’s inappropriate to use the phone in a bathroom period. Other people should feel free to do their business without having to worry about grossing out an unseen caller. I am always grossed out and appalled that someone would go to the bathroom with a phone.

          1. What is supported employment, please?

    2. On the clock = definitely inappropriate.

       Off the clock = still pretty inappropriate and definitely bizarre. Not sure why she can’t just get ready at home.

    3. As an add-on to your question, whenever I wear contacts at work, I put them on in the ladies room at work since I like to nap on the train ride in and to shorten the length of time I actually have them on (if I put them on at home, I’d easily wear them 18 hours continuously and that just doesn’t feel good). Is this inappropriate? I can understand that some people might find it a little gross…..

       1. I see no problem with putting in contacts, brushing teeth after lunch, brushing hair quickly or reapplying lipstick, etc. – anything that can be taken care of in 1-2 minutes.

    4. Um, do you work at my firm?

       Setting aside the fact that the person at my firm who does this is definitely on the clock, I do find it makes me reluctant to use the restroom. And she wears a lot of make-up, so she’s in there for a while.

    5. She might work out in the morning and then get ready at work, or she might get a ride in really early and prefer to sleep later and get ready at the office. If it’s not encroaching on her work time, then I don’t think this is inappropriate. The bathroom is generally an accepted place for personal grooming. If she’s getting ready in the bathroom while she is supposed to be working, OTOH, it’s inappropriate, but that’s really her supervisor’s call and not yours.

       At my office people regularly change and do their hair and makeup after working out or before going out at night in the communal bathroom. We even have a mirror and vanity counter for this purpose. I can’t see anything wrong with it.

    6. My question is, how do you know that she’s in there for a half an hour and what she’s doing for the entire half hour? Are you there watching her the entire time?

       1. I don’t know what the OP’s bathroom situation is like, but my workplace has one bathroom per floor. Chances are if someone is in there 30 minutes each day doing her hair and makeup, other women are probably noticing and talking about it.

          It’s a conscious decision to decide to do your hair and makeup at work. If all the other women can find a way to do that at home, so should you. Get up a half hour earlier or get ready at the gym after your workout instead of at work. If that’s not possible, find a low-maintenance look that doesn’t require 30 minutes to achieve.

    7. Maybe she has to rush out of the house for some reason (take kids to school, catch a bus/train) and doesn’t have time to do her hair/makeup at home. As long as she’s not in your way, like using the only mirror in the bathroom or blocking the whole bathroom for 30 minutes, I wouldn’t be bothered by it.

18. A few weeks ago, Kat posted a DKNY skirt from shopbop that was navy blue with leather trim.

    I fell in love with it but alas, it was only available in a size 10 by the time I got to my office (stupid 930am calendar calls).

    But there is a happy ending to my story! I read about a sale Bloomingdales is having next week (20% off everything, some exclusions) so I headed to Bloom’s on 59th to see if they had the skirt and I could presale it.

    Not only did they have the skirt, but it was set to be marked down 30% next Wednesday, and it would be an additional 20% off on top of that. So I got my skirt AND it was only a little over $100 (was $175 on shopbop).

    Wooohooooo!

    1. I ordered that skirt (probably took the last 12!). The material was really flattering I thought, though the length wasn’t what I was looking for and I just sent it back. Good find!

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