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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 78 Comments · by

Thursday’s TPS Report: Silk Mini-Dot Blouse

Fashion· The Personal Shopper (TPS)· Wear to Work | · · · ·

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Silk Mini-Dot BlouseToday we're liking this silk blouse from White House|Black Market. We like how it's on-trend with the ruffles down the front, but it strikes us more wearable than a lot of the blouses we've seen out there this season. We also like the mini-dots, and the shirt-tail look — we would probably wear this untucked with a black skirt or simple pair of trousers — possibly accented with a colorful, slim belt. It's $88 at White House|Black Market. Silk Mini-Dot Blouse If you've recently seen a great work piece you'd like to recommend to the readers, please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. Unless you ask otherwise, we'll refer to you by your first initial. (L-2)

Sales of note for 10.10.24

  • Nordstrom – Extra 25% off clearance (through 10/14); there's a lot from reader favorites like Boss, FARM Rio, Marc Fisher LTD, AGL, and more. Plus: free 2-day shipping, and cardmembers earn 6x points per dollar (3X the points on beauty).
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale (ends 10/12)
  • Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything plus extra 25% off your $125+ purchase
  • Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
  • Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
  • J.Crew – 40% off sitewide
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site, plus extra 25% off orders $150+
  • Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
  • Neiman Marcus – Sale on sale, up to 85% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 50% off 2+ markdowns
  • Target – Circle week, deals on 1000s of items
  • White House Black Market – Buy one, get one – 50% off full price styles

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

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Comments

  1. anon

    Colorful belt? I was just getting into this “don’t wear black with color” rule. I’m so confused.

    • AIMS

      Black and white + color is not the same as black, alone, and color.

      So: black, white + e.g., red = fabulous
      (Black + red) – white = very dated

      Hope that helps. And, obviously, no rule is ever absolute. So do what makes you happy.

      • AbbyA

        I like this rule. I hadn’t actually thought about before, but it makes a lot of sense. I love Corporette.

    • v

      That is totally not a rule, IMO (not that I’m an expert). I thought it was the black bottom + colored blazer combo people were objecting to.

      • AIMS

        It’s not a rule, per se. It’s an observation previously discussed here and elsewhere. Generally speaking, two colors, wherein one is black & the other bright, just look a bit uninspired together. Yes, the problem is most articulated in black pants/color blazer. But, picture black jeans and hot pink t-shirt. Kinda screams 1991, if you ask me, and doesn’t exactly look all that interesting either, right? Same with, say, black skirt & red sweater, with all black accessories. But — take black skirt, red sweater, and a pair of skin-colored heels, sans stockings, and the look has potential.

        Like I said, it’s not a rule. It’s a guideline.

        • Sarah

          I agree with this, to a point. I don’t think you’ll ever get called out for looking BAD per se if your outfit is one color + all black, but I do think it looks dated/uninspired and you’re not going to get called out for looking good. Change the black slacks/skirt to a pinstripe or a tweed and you’re in business, or, as AIMS said, swap out some accessories for a color other than black. But teal top and black work pants? I’ve done it in a pinch and it’s not my proudest fashion moment. Very 90s. The one exception I can think of off the top of my head is if the other color is actually a neutral–a navy top with slim black pants is extremely fresh-looking, imo.

          • AIMS

            Well said. I was in no way trying to imply one would ever get “called out” for looking bad. It just doesn’t work that well, generally (with the obvious exception for neutrals + black, but I specifically said ‘bright’ colors).

            I actually only heard this articulated recently and it made a lot of sense to me because I used to try on black pants with different colored tops all the time, never liked the way it looked, and always ended up changing — which was a major waste of time in a busy morning. But once I heard someone explain this, it just all of a sudden clicked. Saves me time in the morning! It is not written in stone, just works for me.

      • Lee

        I agree v, I don’t think it’s even much of a guideline except to the extent it encourages adding variety to your wardrobe. Whether you look dated, frumpy, uninspired etc. depends a lot more on the fit and style of the pieces you are wearing. You won’t automatically look bad just because you are wearing black pants and a single color top.

    • Shayna

      I don’t know if this is the ‘rule’ or not (and I’m not great at following those to begin with), but a colored belt on a patterned black and white blouse sounds too busy to me. Also, if that belt is red, I’m visualizing Minnie Mouse.

    • Eponine

      I would love this with a yellow belt and white slacks, or a black pencil skirt and yellow pumps.

    • Jill

      Oh no! Today I’m wearing a black pencil skirt with a bright turquoise cardigan, belted with skinny black belt, plain black pumps and a silver and glass bead necklace. And I thought I looked fine! Bummer, another fashion infraction.

      • jcb

        That sounds pretty to me, too! It is not a bright-line rule, definitely not an infraction.

        • Eponine

          I think that what looks dated is the all black suit or pants/skirt and cardi with a colorful top underneath, or black pants with a solid, not-black blazer. What you described sounds perfectly modern.

          • MelD

            What else are you supposed to wear with a black suit? It’s dated to wear anything but white?

  2. kandi

    I like this as well. It’s appears to be very versatile, I’d wear it with pants or a skirt. Question though, would you wear this under a blazer? My first thought is a cardigan, which in my office is for Friday’s only (at least for me). Would the ruffles look distracting?

    • Amber

      I like the look of ruffles under a blazer, as long as it’s not a day where you need to be super formal.

      • R.S.

        Agreed. The ruffled look is great under a blazer, just not, as Amber says, in formal situations or in court. I think this blouse has the potential to look amazing under a white suit, or under a white blazer with jeans, for a casual look.

        • Amber

          The thought of this shirt with a white blazer and dark slim jeans just made me swoon.

          I’m casting a sad, sad eye at my bank account right now.

          • R.S.

            So I actually did have to buy this blouse. I hate paying full price, but I knew the good sizes would disappear with something like this. I better not see it in my size three weeks later for 50% off!

    • K

      I love this and would definitely wear under a blazer (black suit with bright shoes is the way I’d like to rock this :))

      • anon

        I would totally wear this untucked with a black pants suit. One of my colleagues wears her blouses untucked with pants suits and it looks fantastic, I’ve been looking for a blouse that would work and I think this is it!

    • MelD

      I think it would be a great look under a blazer. In my area of FL I’d go as far as to say that it’s probably even state court appropriate, but I think there is more a risk of coming off too conservative here as there is in other areas.

        • MelD

          I was told in one legal internship that my wardrobe was too conservative. My supervisor regularly wore animal prints and strappy sandals.

          • Shayna

            Wow… I had no idea such places existed! I mean, I know that where I work is definitely of conservative character (even elsewhere in the company its a lighter dress code) but that’s funny!

    • Shayna

      There’s a lot of ruffles here … It might work under a blazer, but definitely not all blazers. Too much going on with the ruffls/blazer lapels/buttons and the look becomes too busy – and if you’re already self conscious about the size of your chest, adding that much to it probably isn’t a great plan.

  4. AIMS

    I love this, too. Especially the sleeves! I’m usually weary of ruffles because they tend to look better on the small chested, which I haven’t been since I was maybe 12, but I think these ruffles may actually work. Love, love, love! Thanks :)

  8. housecounsel

    I LOVE ruffled blouses right now. They make me feel so finished in my relatively boring black pantsuits.

    Cracking up at the black-with-color comments. Cobalt blue oversized blazers with black pants or skirts was my uniform throughout the early 90s.

    • Lawgirl

      @housecounsel: Um, I still love cobalt blue blazers and black pants. gulp. Now sue me. LOL.

  9. Shayna

    I love White House|Black Market’s clothing – I always peruse their store when I pass it in the local mall. This is a cute blouse- I’m not sure if its for me, since that sleeves tend to make my arms look wider, and the overall look is probably a little more playful than I’m looking for for officewear. I’m also not a fan of ruffles… they make you look bigger, and as a former fat girl, I’m just not interested in that.

  10. Houda

    Talking about ruffles and feminine blouses.
    I just wanted to share my experience of shopping in Cincinnati based on my fellow corporette friends’ advice. I posted this in an earlier thread but though maybe here you could see the update.
    I spent one glorious day of shopping at Kenwood.
    I am getting some great comments on my clothes and understated make up.
    I bought gifts and other clothes, but teh ones I used corporette’s advice on were the following:

    I started at Macy’s, got :
    – 2 Tommy Hilfiger v-necks,
    – Lauren by RL Black crested blazer
    – 2 LAuren by RL pants (black, tan)
    – a violet samsonite to hold all my shopping and to use it for my business trips

    Then moved to Dillards, got:
    – 1 BCBG Max Azria black skirt suit (cute)
    – 1 pinstripe gray pencil skirt
    – 1 Satin dress (for galas and the like) and it is fully lined so just great!

    Then Nordstorm (I have to say they have the best customer service I have ever seen!)
    – 2 pairs of Sofft pumps: black and brown, they just feel like butter on the feet!
    – 1 pair Citizens of Humanity dark jeans straight legs (for the odd days when I have to come to work in Jeans: team building, field work etc..)
    – 1 year supply of MAC makeup (I was so glad to find my shade).

    Ann Taylor, I couldn’t skip this shop for anything:
    – 5 ruffly/ silky shells (emerald, taupe, dark blue, gray, then a color I couldn’t describe)
    – 2 tanks with bow ties
    – One ruffle blouse in beige

    This is mainly what I have bought with corporette in mind.
    It was a budget strain, but definitely worth it.
    I will be enjoying the “oh” and “aaaah” from my colleagues for a long time !
    Thanks for caring :)

    • RR

      Thanks for updating! I’d been wondering how you did and where you went. I am planning an afternoon playing hooky to go to Kenwood myself! Love that you got a shopping spree. :)

      • Houda

        Thanks RR
        That was my ONE shopping spree; I had never had one before and I had to save for so many months but I am still high on serotonin rush!
        I really loved Kenwood especially that some malls would carry the same brands so if you don’t find an item in a mall you just walk few minutes and find it at another one!

    • Shayna

      Sounds like fun! I love Nordstrom – especially the fabulous staff that hang up what you’ve found so far in a dressing room as you shop :-)

      • Anon

        I’m so glad Cinci got finally got a Nordstrom. It’s a suit-girl’s lifesaver, esp since AT stopped carrying them (in the store anyway).

    • Louise

      Wow, sounds like a solid foundation on your tasteful, comfortable, appropriate wardrobe. I love the combination of colors you chose for your silky shells, and how your pants and skirts are varied yet professional. Great job!

      Thanks for sharing with us in such detail; I pictured each piece in my mind and then started combining them. Now I want to go shopping.

    • Sarah

      I would say a half-step below Banana Republic? I haven’t shopped there extensively, so maybe that’s not fair.

      • NYC

        I would say even with BR. I have some dresses from there that are really well put together, but some of their stuff can seem cheap. I do have a few tops from there that I love (including one black blouse like the one above but with a necktie rather than ruffles, and I wear it more than almost any other top). I would really recommend going to a store to try stuff on, as their sizing runs a bit generous. Bonus is that the salespeople (at the two locations I’ve been to) have been super kind, helpful, and patient.

      • Eponine

        Everything I’ve ever bought at BR has fallen apart quickly, so that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement.

    • AL

      I’d disagree and say that it’s actually above Banana Republic – WHBM dresses are lined (a huge plus from BR). It’s not a Talbots and definitely has some very trendy (thus not work appropriate) items. But you can find a gem every so often that works at the office.

      One downfall of WHBM is that they do not carry petites and I find their pants (and some skirts) are very long.

      Also, if you spend $300 at WHBM, you get 5% off all future purchases. (Not I don’t work for them, I just love the clothes).

      • Shayna

        Definitely a more trendy/dress up and go out look – whereas Banana Republic etc. is more day to day… because you don’t wear cocktail dresses every day (at least I don’t – and I’m jealous if you do!), they hold up longer… but whether the style is still ‘in’… that’s up to the whim of the fashion winds ;-)

  13. 75

    Too over the top with the dots plus the ruffles!

    There is no black with color rule! But…. when a color appears beside black, it will look mor bright. Also, certain pale pastels do look really wimpy beside black – such as pale yellow. This past season, plack has been paired with very dark colors – midnight blue, marroon. For spring, black and beige seems a better idea.

    • Eponine

      Black and beige? Maybe, but I’d need to see it. My initial inclination was just to say yikes.

      • Shayna

        I like black and just about anything so this is likely not unbiased, but black and beige can look chic – as long as the beige isn’t the shoes (that just looks like you’re wearing old folks orthotics)

  15. Eponine

    Am I the only one who really hates the ruffles trend? It’s better on a button-front shirt than on a t-shirt, but it still just looks silly and froufrou to me.

    Ann Taylor Loft in particular seems to have a lot of really hideous tops and sweaters with weird lumpy ruffly things sewn in front.

    • Anon

      I’m not a fan of ruffles on my clothes either, which sometimes makes it hard to find a tshirt/blouse/cardigan these days!

      • J

        I’m with you. They won’t work in the courtroom, and won’t work with my chest. I’ve been looking all over for nice, modern silk blouses without ruffles. Hard to find.

    • Louise

      I don’t like ruffles on myself, but think they look nice on others. I’m just not a ruffly kind of gal. I also wouldn’t choose polka dots for myself, so this blouse is a pass for me.

      Now argyle? I loves me some argyle.

      • Louise

        Uh-oh. This comment got the dreaded “awaiting moderation” report. I must have mentioned one of the banned words. Was it argyle? Are the classic diamonds a dirty fashion word now? Sigh.

  16. Lynette

    Sigh. I love the blouse but I think my “girls” would wind up distorting the beautiful ruffles. I will cast one more longing glance before I leave it in the store.

  18. Selia

    Like it – plus, I just received a coupon code from White House Black Market which I will share:

    $20 off your purchase of $80 or more – use code 9089 – expires 3/31/10

    As to quality of White House Black Market, I find it similar to Ann Taylor and Talbots. Most of the items I have purchased from there have held up pretty well.

  19. IPMama

    Any ideas on how to wear the “ruffle” trend for those of us with larger chests? I agree with Lynette that the girls would distort the ruffles. I have tried a couple tops at AT Loft and the flower, ruffles or whatever they have on the front end up being pushed a little too front and center and I end up feeling matronly rather than fun classy.

    • GR

      I get the tops with the ruffles placed above the chest area.. like closer to the neckline. If the ruffles go any lower, it looks like too much is going on.

    • SUCL 3L

      Not sure if I can really think of a “rule” as to how busty women should wear the ruffles trend. Best advice I can think of is just try stuff on – trial and error.

    • s-p-s

      I’ve bought a few wrap dresses with a single ruffle along each side of the v-neckline, and that seems to flatter my bust without looking overwhelming. Probably helps that the dresses are in deep purple and navy shades, which keeps them from looking too frilly.

  21. Anonymous

    That’s a very cute blouse. But, since you have long since announced that you are one person, today “we” (your readers) are growing tired of the ridiculously cute “today *we* are liking this …..” Unless one is the Queen or schizophrenic, the plural is obnoxious. Just sayin’ (no judgment. othewise I think the blog is very good).

  22. Kristen

    Target has almost that exact blouse, but in cotton and a lovely chocolate brown background — and a quarter of the price. I’ve worn it under scoopneck dresses, in casual looks, and under chunky knits.

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