This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. We noticed this lovely blouse while in Macy's the other day. The print seems interesting and beautiful, and because the pattern is one of little squares it's a nice twist on a dotted print. It's $79 at Jones New York (which is also in the midst of 75% off clearance sales, and is currently offering free shipping with no minimum). Jones New York Short Sleeve Button Front Shirt Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-2)Sales of note for 10.24.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Friends of Ann Event, 30% off! Suits are included in the 30% off!
- Banana Republic Factory – 40-60% off everything, and redeem Stylecash!
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
- J.Crew – Friends & Family event, 30% off sitewide.
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Up to 30% off on new arrivals
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 40% off entire purchase, plus free shipping no minimum
- White House Black Market – Buy more, save more; buy 3+ get an extra 50% off
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Joni
Off-topic questions:
(1) How much do you tip a masseuse (in NYC)?
(2) How much do you tip a cabdriver (in NYC)?
lawDJ
I tip both around the same, 10-20% of cost of services, depending on how happy I was. Cab drivers are usually around the low end (on the 10-15% range) and masseuses assuming they were good, in the 15-20% range.
Anonymous
I tip 20% for both cabs and masseuse in NYC.
AIMS
I also tip between 10 – 20% depending on the service. But I also generally tip more when it’s a relatively inexpensive service (e.g., I will tip more percent-wise for a cheap mani/pedi at the local salon, than for an expensive manicure at a spa).
Joni
Thanks, all. I will keep this in mind.
Julie H.
I do the same. Manicurist are doing same amount of work at high/low-end salon; seems reasonable to pay low-end workers a little more (not their fault prices are more reasonable!).
Anonymous
Wow, all this seems very high to me. I tip $2-5 for a cabbie, depending on how long the ride was, and $10 for a masseuse or aesthetician ($5 if it was a really simple thing like an eyebrow wax or manicure).
divaliscious11
How much do you pay for your eyebrows??? My brows only cost like $7, so a $5 tip would be something! lol! Similarly I get a mani/pedi for about $40, so 20% if its good, less if its not, but I tend to go to the same place and most of the ladies/gentlemen do a really good job….
Anonymous
Haha. I don’t actually get my eyebrows waxed. I was just speculating on what a relatively simple procedure would be. I think it runs about $18 where I live.
AIMS
I am not sure those numbers are really all that high considering that many of the services mentioned are not all that expensive in NY (at least the ones I use). E.g., a cab, for me, is usually $10-15 dollars so even a 20% tip still falls on the low end of your $2-5 dollar range.
Anonymous
@AIMS – I was thinking that 20% of a $100 massage seemed like a lot. It seems more reasonable for a cab ride.
TK1
I tip $20 on my less than $100 massage. I love my masseuse, she relieves my stress and puts my back in the right position after sitting at work, driving, in law school and studying. I think the $20 is well worth it to show my appreciation and keep her doing a great job for me!
A.M.
It’s the Gap/BR/Old Navy/Athleta Give and Get program starting today!
I’ve never actually participated before and really don’t need anything from the stores so I have a 30% off 1-use code: PQRZGBKLLG78 (post if you use it).
And I have the ability to send up to 50 invites to people so they get the 30% off (I think). The charity I chose is WWF.
If you want me to ‘invite’ you and aren’t worried about posting your email go ahead, I’ll check back in later.
legalchef
assuming that no one has used it and not posted, I would LOVE to use it! Thanks!!
legalchef
hey, I just went to use it and it said that someone already used it :(
Anyway I can get one? legalchef83@gmail.com
EK
I’ll send you an invite. =)
75
I knew a woman from England who always wore a wool tweed skirt or suit with a silk print blouse. It’s a winning combination, in a cool or cold climate. Print blouses like this one remind me of her. She always looked great.
E
I like this, in an office basic kind of way. It’s pretty but without too many ruffles, appliques, pleats, etc. Could go with a million things, including colored bottoms. Would look good under a black suit. I could see this as being one of those totally reliable blouses you pull out when you don’t know what else to wear.
Shayna
Agree — I also like that its colors are okay for both summer (on its own) and fall/winter (under a suit/cardigan), and that the pattern is an up-and-down elongating one… that said, I’m always afraid of “gap-page” in the front (I’m a c-cup) of blouses
kcaco
I always always always put a safety pin between the two buttons that fall directly in line with my b**bs to prevent any gaps (pinned from behind and never through the “front” layer of the placket so it is completely invisible). Some shirts need it, others probably would be fine without it, but I always pin anyway because I figure better safe than, well, flashy :)
dm58
safe than flashy – love! I am purchasing this blouse.
Kera
I go to a tailor and have them put in a snap between the two buttons. (If I were more competent, I would sew it myself.)
kcaco
I’ve tried the snap method and I find the snaps are a bit visible from the side whereas the pins are completely invisible. You may have a different experience though.
Shayna
ooh love this idea – and the ‘better safe than flashy’ ! :-)
I’ve a safety pin devotee in general… it’s the I-could-go-to-a-tailor-but-I-never-remember-and-I-don’t-own-a-sewing-kit-because-I-hate-sewing girl’s solution to hems that come undone, seams that look a little iffy and yes, even (larger) buttons that have fallen off mid-day.
legalchef
Ha – I just got an amazing Laundry by Design dress at Filene’s Basement for $40 – a black stretchy shirtdress with no pockets over the boobs and a same-fabric belt, and the only problem was that since the material was slippery it would gap open between those two “problem buttons.” My solution? I sewed it fully shut! It was stretchy enough that I could just pull it over my head no problem.
K
I use the double-sided tape that’s meant to tape your clothes to your skin to prevent gaping. It works really well.
stc
This is actually just what I’ve been looking for-this or some variation-feel like it would work well under suits, cute with pencil skirt or trousers. Unfortunately moving is killing our finances right now and won’t have first post-law school paycheck until the end of the month. Sigh….
stc
Sorry-that should have read “end of next month.”
R.S.
stc –
Congrats on the job! Cashing that first post-law school paycheck feels great – especially since they can’t generally do direct depoist for the first one, so you actually have to take it to the bank (which kind of cool – just that one time). Then treat yourself to the new blouse!
stc
Awh-thanks! I am so very excited for that moment!
Anonymous
I got my first one in cash. I did it because I really needed the money immediately. But I recommend it to anyone — just once.
kcaco
Many employers probably wouldn’t agree to pay you in cash. Esp. if stc is working for a large lawfirm and being paid once at the end of the month – can’t imagine any firm being willing to hand over an envelope with thousands of dollars in it…
Nony
I took this to mean she literally cashed it at the bank – and received cash instead of depositing it in her account, not that she demanded cash from her employer. I’m kind of cracking up at the image of the awkward discussion with the payroll department.
Chicago S
This reminds me of when I opened a casino and sent someone on my staff to the cage to observe when our initial cash was delivered. He came back with such as silly grin and commented that he held 1 million dollar in cash in his hands and really it was not bulky.
Clerky
This is cute, but I haven’t had any luck with Jones NY — really baggy and boxy clothing, at least on my figure.
EK
Same here. I’m continually picking out Jones NY basics from department store clearance racks and discount stores, only to be disappointed once I get them into the dressing room. It’s a shame. I clearly like many of their styles, but the fit just doesn’t suit me.
EM
Phooey, it’s polyester.
Generally, I hate blouses, but I have 2 short sleeve blouses that I love, both by Jones New York. They are short sleeve and have a notched collar. They need to be replaced; I wish JNY would come out with a new version. It’s so hard to find blouses with notched collars and princess seams.
E
not an ideal fabric, but gorgeous print!
AIMS
I was just about to say that I really like this . . . . . except that it’s polyester (which is okay with me for $19, not for $79).
BB had some some similar (but better, imo) looking silk blouses on sale recently for about $74 a piece.
Louise
I like it, too, and will wait until it’s on sale to buy it. Maybe it will get down to $19.
Kaylee
I stocked up on the Madison (I think it’s called?) button up blouses from NY & Co. I bought like 5 different colors.
My question is, do you think it’s appropriate to wear a short-sleeve button ups that are more feminine cut, untucked with a skirt or crop pants and heels. That’s been half of my outfits all summer to beat the heat. I work in a business-casual CPA firm in Florida (even though the partners are pushing for less of the casual so I’m trying to look more business-y even though they haven’t officially asked for that yet).
I’m pretty young, so I’m trying to avoid the “Doesn’t she know she’s supposed to tuck that in!” mistake, unless it’s not a mistake… I don’t know! lol. Surely it can be okay?
cbackson
Usually it depends on what the bottom of the shirt looks like–if it’s a standard curved shirt-tail, you’re supposed to tuck, if it’s cut straight across, it’s okay to leave it out (and it will often be too short for successful tucking).
Legally Brunette
Every once in a while I wear a short sleeve button down (or up?) with a pencil skirt, heels, and nice jewelry. I have a really short torso so tucking the blouse in doesn’t look right on me. I think it’s fine for a business casual setting.
Anonymous
Since you asked… the correct name for a shirt with buttons is button-front. Button-down refers to the collar (usually only on men’s shirts). Button-up I’ve never heard but it seems like a logical synonym for button-front.
Kera
I think if it’s not a button-down (collar buttoned to shirt-front), it’s just called a dress shirt or a collared shirt.
Anonymous
That’s what I wear a lot too. So long as the shirt’s not supposed to be tucked (i.e. the bottom is straight not curved) it looks fine and actually would probably look worse tucked. If it’s supposed to be tucked, I’d save the look for casual Fridays.
MelD
I can’t say I’ve ever tucked a shirt like that into pants or capris. For FL it’s absolutely fine business casual attire.
Kaylee
Good to know. It seems easier for guys to wear a long-sleeve button -up/-down/dress shirt, tuck it in, and just rotate out their colors all week. But that’s no fun! I still want to dress at the same level of “business professional-ness”.
I googled “button-up” and it’s a legitimate term (never thought about it before), but don’t mind me, I tend to make up a lot of words as I go :). Maybe button-up vs button-down is a regional preference or maybe one is more casual than the other.
I
I had a convo with a co-worker about this once. She’s from CA and I grew up in NYC. Everyone I know from NYC says “button-down” while she says that everyone she knows from CA says “button-up”. I think its definitely a regional thing.
surrounded by lawyers
According to my boyfriend, who is a tailor, “button-down” technically means a shirt (probably men’s) whose collar literally buttons down, on the corners, to the shirt. So it has those tiny button holes on the corners of the collar for that purpose.
Of course, most of us simply mean a dress shirt with buttons! Agree, interchangeable with “button-up.” Unless you’re getting gift instructions from your tailor boyfriend and want to be careful not to buy the wrong thing! ;)
anon - chi
Your boyfriend is a tailor?? I think that alone might make him marriage material. :-)
surrounded by lawyers
Haha–I get that a lot. I try not to exploit his generosity, but given that I seem to rip the vent in every single one of my pencil skirts I probably have saved hundreds on repair fees. That’s his one offer that I regularly accept.
Latest keeper line: “Why don’t I just reinforce the vents on all of your skirts before you wear them?”
J
I so agree!
Interviewee
Apologies for the off-topic question. I was hoping some of you government folks might have helpful advice. Yesterday, I interviewed for an attorney position with a government agency. Is it appropriate to send a thank-you note to the people I met? I would normally do so for an interview in the private sector. However, three things are giving me pause in this case. First, I only have the contact information and full names for the receptionst and the head of the division. The other 5 people I met with did not volunteer their full names or give me their business cards. The agency does not list staff on its website and several of the people had unusual names that I am not sure how to spell. So to whom do I address a thank-you note? Second, knowing how long it takes for mail to wind through government offices, would it be more appropriate to send a thank-you email? Third, I realized after the interview that I do not want this job. My instinct is that a thank-you note is still appropriate, but I’d like a gut check. Any advice would be appreciated – thank you!
AIMS
Send an e-mail or thank you note to the head person who interviewed you, and thank him/her AND his/her colleagues for the interview.
If you don’t want the job, that’s sufficient. And, in fact, it means you can send a note, without worrying it will take longer, and rest assured that eventually the person will get it, and not have a lastingly negative impression of you (as opposed to if you wanted the job, and were worried that by the time they got it, a decision would be made).
Anonymous
This.
divaliscious11
Agreed.
attnygrl
Def agree w/this. Interviewing in the public sector – same as private. If you really wanted to spread the goodwill, you could call secretary & ask for name/contact info for people you interviewed with.
I just sent a thank you to a place where I didn’t want the job after I’d taken another job. I said what a great place it seemed be, etc. etc.
Anything that helps your network/positive vibe about you — a good thing, usually.
Joni
I interviewed with the IRS last year and found it impossible to contact my interviewers to say thanks. I tried finding them online (coming up with every possible email combination), writing by snail mail, and calling various offices to figure out their full names and addresses. My school’s career services office also tried to help out (I wasn’t the only 2L trying to do this) and failed. So if your office happens to be with the IRS, I would say, don’t bother.
In any case, if you don’t want the job, don’t waste too much time trying to figure out how to contact all these people. Maybe you could even write a note to the head of the division saying that you really enjoyed meeting with everyone, you’ve realized the job isn’t the right fit (or something more politic), and that you would appreciate it if s/he could pass on your thanks to all the people who took the time to speak with you.
A.
My only advice is: don’t guess how names are spelled. One interviewee at my company faced a similar situation, and sent me an email thanking me for my time and added this gem: “If you happen to talk to any of the other folks with whom I met, Bob, Joe, or Witzugi (No idea on that one), please let them know I was very appreciative of their time…”
“Witzugi” had about one letter in common with the guy’s actual name. Needless to say, there was no job offer.
North Shore
Tip for upcoming interview season: ask each of your interviewers for a business card at the end of the interview, in case you need to call with follow-up questions. These are worth hanging onto for future contacts, no matter where you eventually end up.
A
I like this print, but I tend to always tuck my shirts in, so it’s a pass for me.
Quick threadjack – does anyone know if you’re supposed to tip after a laser hair removal treatment? I’m doing it at a place that is much more like a doctor’s office than a salon, so it seems like it would be odd to tip. Any thoughts?
S
I don’t because my place is also more like a doctor’s office than a salon. Plus there are no conspicuously-placed tip envelopes by the reception desk and there is no tip line on the receipt. Still, I’m not sure I’m following proper etiquette by not tipping – I mean, I’d certainly tip if I were getting waxed and one could make an argument that getting lasered isn’t all that different.
Anon L
I did a little investigating awhile back, and I believe if the service is performed by an RN (and requires an RN’s expertise) you don’t tip for it. With that said, I get my laser services done at a spa, and the credit card receipt has a line to write-in tip. I have yet to tip for any laser services at this location. But I would love to hear other opinions.
lawDJ
I never tipped when I went to get my laser services. I didn’t see a good way to do it since I bought everything as a package and I didn’t see anyone else doing it. It was a “medical spa” place and my services took 10 minutes to complete each time …
D
Looks great, but 100% polyester for $80….?ik
Chicago S
I agree, it is a great top but for $80 it needs to be a different fabric.
kcaco
A quick threadjack to thank those of you who recommended Pendleton as a good option for longer pencil skirts. I received my first shipment last night and am thrilled! I’m 5-8 and my preference is for a skirt that covers my knees completely when I’m standing or sitting (but just my knees – I don’t want a longer mid-calf look) and the Seasonless Wool Lana Skirt is PERFECT.
Thanks, Corporettes :)
Link if anyone is interested – http://www.pendleton-usa.com/product/Women/SKIRTS/SKIRTS/SEASONLESS-WOOL-LANA-SKIRT/167658/pc/1815/sc/1809/sc/1809/c/1809.uts
divaliscious11
That is a nice pencil skirt.
Can I ask are you very straight or curvy? I am hourglass leaning toward pear and love pencil skirts when I can find them that fit without being all ‘Jessica Rabbit”
kcaco
I’m fairly straight and willowy – 5-8 and 130 – I do have a defined waist, b**bs and butt but they are all fairly small since my overall frame is small (maybe I am a stretched-out hourglass? ha!).
If it helps, I ordered a size 6 and it fits me perfectly. Also, it has three panels in the back and two pleats instead of a center seam, which I’ve found reduces the va-va-voom effect from the back regardless of size and shape.
Man, though, there are definitely days when I wish I had to worry about being all “Jessica Rabbit” :)
Legally Brunette
This skirt looks really long in the picture, but on someone 5’8 it would be a great length.
Diva — have you tried Classiques Entier pencil skirts? They’re the only ones that look good on me and don’t make me look hip-py.
A.M.
Thanks for the rec. I’m 5’10 and hourglass, so even when I find a skirt that is *just* long enough when standing, I sit and it whooshes up.
As for the Jessica Rabbit thing, divaliscious, I’ve found that buying cotton/spandex pencil skirts are the best remedy, believe it or not. As long as you buy it loose enough that it isn’t stretched super-tight over your rear, they hug just a tiny bit to give you shape and then fall nicely so they bridge the gap between va-va-voom and boxy.
Also, on the metro the other day I saw a tall willowy girl who was wearing a tight pencil skirt, the type that hugs your thighs under your butt as well as over your butt… Very Jessica Rabbit. Willowy girls can do it too!
divaliscious11
Thanks – I am 5’10” also, so length and curves are both issues…. have been on mall sabbatical (except for back to school) so haven’t done a Classiques try on in a while
Sharon
A nice, cute work find. Would prefer the sleeves a tidge longer (that length not flattering) but other than that, a nice work basic. And the polyester means that you can wash it at home vs have to get it drycleaned, so not sure why all the hatred.
Anonymous
I think the hatred stems more from the price for the fabric, rather than the fabric itself.
attnygrl
I’ve been looking for shirts to wear w/suits that I didn’t have to iron! To me, this is a good thing!!!
Midori
Free shipping at TheLimited.com today! No lower limit on purchase amount for this one!
Now back to the regularly scheduled programming… I do like that shirt! The print is fun without straying from classy. Very nice.
housecounsel
Short-sleeved polyester print blouse? Ick. I have purged my closet of polyester and just decided dry cleaning is a fact of life for a two-lawyer-couple family.
attnygrl
But, housecounsel, don’t they hammer you w/prices for dry cleaning a woman’s shirt? My dry cleaner charges $1.98 for my husband’s work shirts — I asked yesterday, and it’s $4.50 for a woman’s because they have to do it by hand. I could practically buy a new shirt for that amount! lol
Chicago S
My silk BR shirts go in the front loading washer on hand wash and hang to dry.
Anon2
For the DC Corporettes, I’ve been invited out to a birthday party at L2 in Georgetown and have never been before. I went to their website and saw that’s it’s an exclusive club that requires membership to enter so I’m thinking it’s a pretty swanky place. Based on the Yelp reviews, there’s a wide range of opinions about it.
What are your outfit recommendations? I won’t be coming straight from work and plan to go home and change. I haven’t gone out in DC since grad school and that was more for salsa dancing and dinner and drinks. Any advice would be much appreciated!
E
Little black dress
cda
L2 likes to think they are in NYC or South Beach, so dress for there. Little dress, skirt and cute top, nice pants and cute top, heels, etc.
Anon2
Thanks, I’ll go with an LBD just to play it safe.
cda – I got that vibe from the website and almost laughed out loud at the wording on the home page – “appeals to the internationally minded, socially established, and artistically inclined strata of Washingtonians.”
Either way, I’m glad for a night out and look forward to going to a new club/ lounge.
cda
It’s fabulous people watching, so have fun!
A
Check out this article: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/08/26/2983644/california-assembly-dress-code.html#mi_rss=State%20Politics
The CA State Assembly is requiring a more “business” attire for men and women who work on the Floor during legislative session. As someone who has seen it evolve from very formal to sundress-and-flip flop, I mixed about it. I think it’s embarrassing that staff has to be reminded to dress professionally, but then, how far is too far when it comes to these sorts of rules?
Anonymous
I think it’s perfectly reasonable to have the same standards for both women and men. In fact, I’d guess it’s still a bit more relaxed for women because men probably more or less have to wear a suit jacket. Lowering the AC is probably a good way to get women to voluntarily dress well.
It’s a huge pet peeve of mine when you see women, usually but not always young, dressed like they’re going to a club or barbecue while men are in suits. No one’s going to take you seriously if you don’t look serious. Looking feminine is fine, but you need to look professional.
Californian
“Do we have to break out the burqas?”
Tacky, tacky answer from Assemblywoman Lori Saldana. Religious insensitivity, and since when did dressing professionally = oppression? Someone send her a link to this blog, she needs it
zee
OT: i’ve been walking around with my suit collar up all morning :( just a note to remind you your day’s not that bad…
MLB
I took my child to a university study this morning and the young grad student who was working with her was dressed in a fabulous dress — very pretty — that was inside out (like, tag in back and everything, so no question). I bit my lip for a second but then told her. She didn’t seem particularly appreciative, and I wasn’t sure if I should have told her (if I hadn’t seen the tag in the back, I probably wouldn’t have noticed). I assume that isn’t all the rage among grad students now days, but who knows? Did I do the right thing?
MM
Absolutely. We have to look out for each other. I hemmed and hawed the other day before finally informing the woman who had been on the escalator in front of me that her dress was *entirely* see-through and that she might want a slip in the future. It’s sometimes really embarrassing for the woman to hear it, but always more embarrassing to not hear it!
katyjink
Yes, you did the right thing, unless you were on a loudspeaker at the moment. Maybe she was having a crappy day or maybe just rude. Either way, it’s definitely not on you. I just took a similar friendly “corrective action” w/a male colleague in my office this morning (not in a dress of course ;) ) and he was very appreciative.
AIMS
I just went out for lunch, saw a guy drop a sweater he had wrapped around his bag, and — along with 2 other helpful pedestrians — shouted “Sir, you dropped your sweater!”
The guy’s response was an unappreciative grunt, as he turned around to pick it up off the sidewalk.
Some people just don’t know how to express gratitude. But it was still a good thing that he got his sweater. Your grad student probably has a similar problem expressing appreciation for others’ thoughtfulness, but it doesn’t mean it wasn’t the right thing to do, or that you should act similarly in the future.
v
Yeah, also, sometimes I think people are just lost in their own thoughts/world and don’t react quickly enough in the moment to be properly grateful. Which isn’t a good thing, but definitely doesn’t mean the returner/mentioner did the wrong thing.
legalchef
She was also probably reaaaaaalllyyyy embarrassed. I know I would be if that happened to me!
Amy
Cute blouse but I’ve had bad luck with sheer polyester like that falling apart fairly quickly. I’d pay $15 for it at Target, but not $80 at JNY.
Threadjack:
I have been having persistent headaches, sinus pressure, and a general malaise/foggy-head feeling off and on for about the last two months. Finally saw the doctor and he said it’s allergies (our pollen counts have been really high in my area due to heavy rains making things bloom), referred to an allergist but said in the meantime I need to take antihistamines more or less all the time – morning and night – for at least six weeks, and then probably stay on a daily antihistamine indefinitely or until cold temperatures kill whatever’s bl0oming that I’m allergic to. I admit, when I take the antihistamines I feel tons better. I still have sinus pressure but the “foggy” feeling goes away and I have a lot more energy.
I am not a big fan of taking medication indefinitely and so I’m wondering about allergy shots. Has anyone had them as an adult, for seasonal-type allergies? Do they work? Has anyone used antihistamines daily for a long time vs. getting shots?
Bonnie
I can’t speak to allergy shots but have had a lot of success with a sinus rinse. It helps me with the sinus pressure.
jcb
I had to get allergy shots for years before moving up north, and they worked really well. Drastically reduced my allergies, no side effects, just had to deal with getting pricked every week or two.
Lobbyist
I LOVE flonase. And no medicine head.
TK1
This may sound strange, but I had acupuncture done a few years ago for allergies. It was an alternating treatment of sinuses (with needles in your face – not a scary as it sounds) and treatment of allergies (with needles in your back). My sinuses felt instantly different, I could smell much better. I don’t know if this is your kind of thing, but it may help clear your head in the meantime.
MelD
I have used antihistamines daily for at least 8-9 years now for seasonal allergies and haven’t noticed any ill effects. I also do a sinus irrigation twice a day and find that it helps quite a bit with congestion. I know people who’ve gotten the shots, but they had far worse allergies than I have. You might want to try a nasal spray if you can handle corticosteroids. That was the first thing my allergist had me try, but I reacted very badly to it and had to stick to pills.
Lemon
I’ve had seasonal allergies ever since I was young. I was on antihistamines all the time, both OTC then moving to prescription, now back to OTC. I found that things were easier once I had allergy testing done. The allergist told me everything that I was allergic to. Now that I know when my triggers are in season, I take my meds only then.
So, since I’m triggered by a number of tree pollens, starting in April I’ll take my medicine daily, even if I’m not having symptoms right away. That way I get a bit built up so when the trees do explode, I’m not suffering. Once the trees are finished blooming, I’ll stop. Start the same thing up for ragweed season. So, really, I’m only on something April-May and September-October.
I just use the OTC meds that used to be prescriptions (Zyrtec is my favorite now). Also, the A/C really helps, but make sure to change your filters frequently during your trigger times (I change mine every month or so during ragweed season).
Suze
Amy, I don’t have these issues, but all three of my kids are just horribly afflicted and have been since birth. What works really well for us (now that they can all blow their own noses, etc) is the following daily regimen(I know you don’t like daily meds, and I agree, but IMHO the perpetual sinus infection/occasional pulmonary follow on and resulting killer antibiotics/super steroids make it ‘worth it, at least for us): otc claritin or zyrtec, whichever works best; flonase or veramyst (prescription but work wonders and I believe minimal side effects, if any); and – optional for more critical/chronic/asthmatic types, singulair. Also, as soon as anything really ‘starts up,’ either a Neti Pot or just hourly sprays of Ocean or whatever saline nasal spray you can live with. And, yeah, perpetual a/c with at least monthly filter changes (use the ‘good’ ones, not the cheesy grocery store things, frequent hot water laundering of bed linen, and a really good weekly vacuum of whatever carpet/rugs you have. I did the industrial air cleaner for a while – super noisy, not sure of real benefit. YMMV, and hope this helps.
Lemon
Also, I forgot to add – I found that if you take the meds a little bit before you go to bed, it cuts down on your symptoms in the middle of the night to help you sleep. You’ll wake up less congested, stuffy and with less drainage down the back of your throat because the meds are in their peak effectiveness.
Drink plenty of water too…antihistamines, by nature, dry you out :)
i'm nobody
I’ve done 2 rounds of injections (5 years when I was in high school/college) and another round of 1 year, about 15 years later after I had moved to a different part of the country with even worse allergens. The first round helped me; the second round was giving me intolerable swelling and itching at the injection site (which means I was getting too high a dose) and the inconvenience of going for a shot every week just got to be too annoying for me to stick with.
The best best best thing I can do for myself and my sinuses is a daily nasal irrigation with a neti pot and salt water (with a tiny pinch of baking soda). I also take a daily OTC allergy med. If I stray from my routine, I’m almost guaranteed to develop a nasty sinus infection.
attnygrl
What I find helps w/that is never leaving my windows open, no matter how beautiful it is out. Basically staying in air conditioning as much as possible! Plus, you can buy a nice quality air filter for your office & one from home that might assist in cleaning your air. That helped me. Also don’t like the ‘med 24/7’ thing!
S
Your results may vary, but I’ve been able to keep my allergies in check with a Neti pot. When pollen counts are really high, I use it as soon as I return inside after being outside, especially if I’ve been exercising outside and have been breathing hard. When pollen counts are really, really high, I also make sure to shower before bed so I’m not sleeping in whatever pollen has latched onto me during the day.
Anonymous
Me too!