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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Reader S wrote in to recommend this “adorable” Kate Spade cardigan, selected as one of the staffers' favorite pieces. Love the color and asymmetrical bow detailing, as well as the cashmere/merino blend. It's $225 at Kate Spade in purple, black, “boca pink,” a pale blue, and white. Essentials Michaeline Cardigan
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 9.30.24
- Nordstrom – Beauty deals through September
- Ann Taylor – Extra 30% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off sale
- J.Crew – 50% off select styles
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 50% off sale with code
- Lo & Sons – Warehouse sale, up to 70% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Friends & Family 25% off
- Rag & Bone – Friends & Family 25% off sitewide
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Fall Cyber Monday sale, 40% off sitewide and $5 shipping
- Target – Car-seat trade-in event through 9/28 — bring in an old car seat to get a 20% discount on other baby/toddler stuff.
- White House Black Market – 40% off select styles
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…
Shayna
Loving this purple color this summer (I am the proud owner of three tops of various styles in it), but the bow is too “twee” for me…
surrounded by lawyers
Likewise. Especially given that I’m short, apparently look younger than I am, and work with all men, I am very careful about bows in general.
The closer the bow gets to my face, the more I worry about looking like a doll.
Shayna
Exactly! I’m 5’2″ and in finance… bows do not equal authoritative! ;-)
surrounded by lawyers
5’3″ (sans heels); securities law. There’s an open office down the hall from mine if you want to join forces!
Clerky
Color is gorgeous!
anon - chi
Agreed – but $225 for a cardigan? Personally, I would draw the line about $100 lower unless I were absolutely sure I would wear it all the time.
Anonymous Today
Agreed-this would actually be more of splurge for me than the dress featured yesterday.
They are much more basic than this, but a co-worked has several of these cardigans from Nordstrom:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3021152/0~2378467~2378483~6021662~6023023?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6023023&P=2
I just ordered a few myself and I’m hoping they fit me well. Obviously I generally try to avoid the juniors department when shopping for work clothes, but I really like these cardigans! (And the price is great, too.)
Anon L
I prefer these to the TPS cardi. Thanks for the link!
Anonymous Today
You’re welcome!
A.M.
I agree way way way out of my student budget.
But what you said just reminded me of something I noticed about myself. I am always more willing to spend money on a dress (summer dress, party dress, work dress) than I am on a t-shirt, sweater, etc. And I’d probably end up wearing the shirt more. It is likely because I have an extreme obsession with dresses (fueled by my loathing of jean shopping).
Anonymous Today
I’m the same way and I don’t know why, either.
I also have an obsession with dresses. I love them.
Anonymous
Well, it’s also harder to find a well-made, well-fitting dress. T-shirts and sweaters are a dime a dozen and you don’t need to pay a lot for them.
Shayna
My theory is that the dress is an entire outfit so if I spend more on a dress, it’s ok because it’s both top and bottom, whereas a t-shirt is only part of the outfit… at least that was my rationale the last time I went shopping ;-)
Brittany
I REALLY like this, but I can’t see myself ever being able to justify $255 dollars for a cardigan, especially with a bow on it. I doubt I’d be able to wear it for longer than one season before it just looks ridiculous. The color is lovely, though.
Brittany
$225*
Law-Less
Oh, I really really like this! Especially the bow. I would wear this in a heartbeat. But I agree with anon-chi, I don’t think I could justify spending that much on a cardigan. Bummer….
AnneCatherine
Ditto on all of this. I like the black, too. If it were $50 I’d be tempted, even $75, so I guess I’m glad it’s not . . .
Amy
I love!
Meredith
Great color, although not really one that would work for me (redheads aren’t supposed to wear pink, right??). I have to say that I enjoy the bow! It’s understated, and for someone as tall as I am who sometimes feels like she has to assert her femininity, I think it would work. The cardigan is out of my price range, but it’s definitely cute.
– Meredith
cubiclechicblog.com
Va Gal
Also a redhead and I agree. I do think it’s a cute cardi and I love the blue version, but since I already have a bit much of a cardigan habit (have been loving Talbots sweater sets lately – much better quality than J.Crew’s much-hyped version), I need to buy things other than sweaters.
I work in law, but I’m finding that I can get away with small bits of frou frou (like a modest bow) .
Anonymous
Also a redhead here, and maybe it’s just the color on my screen, but this definitely looks more purple than pink, and I think it would look fabulous on a redhead. I love this sweater, bow and everything. It’s gorgeous, and looks like high quality.
Lola
I agree. I was watching Mad Men last night on my DVR, and Joan wore a dress in a color similar to this and looked ravishing (as usual).
cda
Redheads can totally wear pink, so long as it is the *right* shade of pink for their hair and skin. Ditto purples, oranges, and reds. There are some shades I wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) touch with a ten foot pole and others that look lovely. All about what works for you.
Angie
Agree – my former boss is a redhead and she looked stunning in pink.
A.M.
Definitely.
I have never found a shade of orange or pink that I can wear. Reds have to be blue, not orange or pink. Sigh, the trials of being ginger.
Meredith
I’m trying to branch out to pink. It’s difficult, though, when people told me all the time growing up: “oh, what lovely hair you have, but I bet you can never wear pink!” I just took it as a given that pink was out of the question.
L
I like this, color is good, but the bracelet length sleeve kills it for me – unless it looks more like a 3/4 sleeve, I wouldn’t want to wear it lest it look like a mistake.
RoadWarriorette
I love this cardigan. I like that the bow is a subtle nod to femininity, and the color is spot on. Would I spend $225 on a cardigan? Probably not…. but I sure enjoy looking at it!!
Anon for this
Threadjack –
Ladies, what advice do you have for someone who encounters ignorance in the office or socializing with coworkers. I’m asking because someone close to me is facing this issue and then I had a brush with it recently. Someone makes a comment that is blatantly racist/classist/anti a specific religion (say Muslim) but doesn’t say it in a making insensitive jokes way but rather says it in a deep down “scientific” belief way. This person doesn’t work with anyone of that race/religion and the person saying it doesn’t do the hiring so it is not causing discrimination. The person hearing it is not a minority/of that religion so can not really make a complaint. The office is small enough that he/she doesn’t want to make waves but also wants to correct the issue but recognizes some people are just too closed minded to be “fixed.”
An example could be “not that x is a real religion anyway” or “people of x race speak funny or have poor hygeine, etc.” It is so sad that there are people in this world that truly believe these things. They don’t hate just to hate, they have this false preconceptions burned into their brains and unfortunatly don’t encounter enough diversity to realize they are wrong.
v
Ugh, I’m interested to hear what people have to say to this, having encountered this myself. My approach – and it’s not a particularly well-reasoned one, more just an instinctive reaction – is to try and make a pleasant but mildly contradictory comment like “You know, I spent time in [maligned country, for example], and was really blown away by how friendly and helpful everyone was.” But I generally leave the encounter feeling like I didn’t really accomplish anything and took the coward’s way out.
anano
I think something along these lines is the best approach. It can be something as simple as “not in my experience” in response to the speak funny/smell bad comment. This is enough to make it clear that you are calling them out, but since you are talking about your own experience, it’s not as likely to put them on the defensive as an outright statement that they are being racist, sexist, homophobic, etc.
Or if you want to be more confrontational, a “you don’t really believe that do you?” while smiling/laughing.
A.M.
“The person hearing it is not a minority/of that religion so can not really make a complaint.” If they make you or your friend uncomfortable then you have every right to.
Anon2
I’ve encountered this on occasion where I work. I suggest speaking with him/her directly – give them the benefit of the doubt in the conversation (“I don’t think you meant to say something hurtful or offensive, but X comment made me uncomfortable”). You don’t have to be a member of the group they’re offending to be offended and raise the issue.
That said, I work for a Fortune 500 company and we have to take training modules every year about this issue because there’s a large international population. At a smaller firm, it makes sense to make it a one on one discussion – the person may not even know he/ she is saying something offensive and will most likely stop when confronted.
Rachel
Reply with a similarly bigoted comment about people of the speaker’s race/background, and nod sagely.
AN
1st time: Ignore it. (I say this as a member of a religion that counts 1/5 of the world’s population, but likely to be in the minority in most countries, and having faced similar issues as the OP)
2nd time: “Not in my experience/ I haven’t see that” type comment
3rd time: “Really? And you believed that?” type comment
4th time: What Rachel said!
Eponine
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand your comment.”
Make him explain it and he’ll realize it’s not funny. Once he explains it, follow up with “Oh. I think that comment is inappropriate.”
Yes, a bit wet blanket, but usually when you make someone explain their s***head remark they realize that they sound like a s***head.
kcaco
This.
SF Bay Associate
Exactly. Just because I’m not of the minority targeted in the comment absolutely does not mean I lack standing to call the person out. Of COURSE I can make a complaint when I hear something offensive.
I think this is yet another lesson in Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, or maybe it’s on her Thin Pink Line blog. “I don’t understand; what could you mean by that?” or “Why would you say something like that?”
Recent example: Opposing counsel in one of my cases is a very overweight woman. She’s also often obnoxious (funny how opposing counsel is always obnoxious, right?). While working with another associate in his office, the associate said a mean comment about her weight, and that she was a bad lawyer. Even though I am a single-digit size, and thus “not of the minority being targeted,” that kind of talk is not ok with me. So I put on my serious face, looked him in the eye and said calmly, “Look. I’m not impressed with her work either, but what she looks like is completely irrelevant.” He protested a little and I held my ground. No more weight comments since, at least around me.
Ru
I always use the “why would you say something like that?” line. Works like a charm.
What’s even harder is talking to someone who makes stereotypical degrading remarks about their own culture/religion in front of people who are not. I don’t think you have the right to be disrespectful of something just because you’re part of it. One day, it just really got to me, so I sucked it up and I said, “Look, what you said that time was not cool. Not only should you never say things like that to anyone, ever, but you especially shouldn’t say it front of people who aren’t from your culture/religion. They will think this kind of disrespect is acceptable, and it’s not.” He agreed with me and said he realized he took things too far (but this particular coworker has a habit of taking things too far, ugh).
Eponine
At least you’re visibly Muslim so they probably keep their traps shut in front of you. I don’t “look Jewish,” and countless times someone has made a blatantly anti-Semitic remark right in front of me. It’s good to know who your enemies are, but it also makes you feel like crap.
Ru
Eponine, that’s rough, I can definitely empathize. What’s also unacceptable is when someone laughingly makes an anti-Semitic remark to or around me, expecting that I will be okay with it and carry it along further. On what planet is something like this okay? Or “infidel” jokes. Spare me, people, ugh.
Eponine
@Ru – oh, yeah. I also hear plenty of Islamaphobic remarks, believe me. Because all Jews and Muslims HATE each other and we think prejudice is funny! You know. Sadly, the commenters are often fellow Jews, but at least then I can come back at them with a bit of moral judgment about how a Jewish person should be above that kind of prejudice.
My 16-year-old cousin made a homophobic remark twice in one night and the second time I completely lost my s–t at him. What was sad, though, is that there were 10 adults in the room and I was the only one who said anything. And I was incoherent b/c I was so upset. Next time (if there is a next time) I need to take a breath and make it a teaching moment.
AnneCatherine
“Recent example: Opposing counsel in one of my cases is a very overweight woman. She’s also often obnoxious (funny how opposing counsel is always obnoxious, right?). While working with another associate in his office, the associate said a mean comment about her weight, and that she was a bad lawyer. Even though I am a single-digit size, and thus “not of the minority being targeted,” that kind of talk is not ok with me.”
Yes and no to not being part of the minority/class targeted. No, you are not overweight/double-digit-sized. But yes, you are a woman, and all too often, people (men?–in your story, it was a man, but I realize it may not always be, though of course, it can be argued that if/when it is a woman, it is a woman who has internalized society’s messages) judge professional women (as they judge ALL women) SOLELY or at least PRIMARILY on their looks. Today it’s the fat girls, tomorrow it’s the girls with big noses, dark undereye circles, unfortunate faces–you get the drift. It’s in no one’s best interests–thin, fat, medium–for the tendency to judge professional women on their looks (outside of a dating environment, of course) to be perpetuated–because very few of us will get away with looking like a model whilst working–and those who do, won’t forever, since age happens to everyone.
Sorry for likely typos.
Lola
“..moral judgment about how a Jewish person should be above that kind of prejudice.”
Everyone should be above that kind of prejudice, whether we’ve been personally discriminated against or not. We are all humans and should care about other humans than those that are just like us.
Anon
At one time, I worked in an office where I was the only non-Jewish individual and one person in particular had some really strange views of Catholicism. (Like we believed in 3 gods!) I took the person aside and told him that his comments were based on misinformation. I don’t know whether he believed me but he stopped making any comments about religion after that.
I think the best way is to simply confront the person. I would always strive to do it in private. I have found that some people just don’t know they’re being rude or insensitive. If I was in a group setting and couldn’t really pull the person aside I would say something like “Based on my experience, I really would have to disagree with that.”
Anon
Don’t want to start a debate, but also wanted to point out that as a non-catholic the idea of the “Holy Trinity” is a complete mystery to me. It could be where he was coming from with the “3 Gods” idea.
Anon
Exactly why people shouldn’t comment on what they don’t understand. ;-)
Anonymous
Or just ask, instead of comment. ‘Can you explain the concept of the Trinity?’ is much better than ‘So the Trinity means you believe in 3 gods, right?’.
UnSub
I”m sure it is, but it is still incorrect.
Anon
But is it that strange of a view/or offensive?
Anonymous
Inclined to agree with anon – I don’t think I’d get my knickers in a twist if someone made a comment about the number of gods in my faith and was wrong, unless they followed it up with “and people who believe in x number of gods are just wacky!”. I would, however, take offensive if they said something judgmental about people of that faith.
Anon for this comment
“(Like we believed in 3 gods!) ”
What’s wrong with believing in 3 Gods?? I’m Hindu and I believe in zillions of Gods. The more, the merrier!
Anon
Hear Hear! or is it Here Here?
haha, but you get my point!
Shayna
I look them dead in the eye and say, “I’m sorry, what makes you think that?” and make them stammer out some explanation… or that they “heard it” somewhere, at which point I suggest they verify their information before sharing it with others. Do it calm and cool and it’s devastating.
Chicago K
I prefer to say, “Your comment is inappropriate and offensive.” But in reading your question that says the person doesn’t want to make waves, I would guess this is too direct and will say they should take the issue to HR and ask them to speak with him.
Remember, just because he doesn’t do hiring and you don’t work with the people he is targeting doesn’t mean he isn’t creating a hostile work environment. I personally find it offensive to be around any person displaying an outward hatred towards towards others.
And you are right, these people probably won’t change, but at least getting a talking to from HR might cause them to keep their mouth shut.
s in Chicago
Just curious, but what do you all do when you’re forwarded politically disagreeable to actually outright offensive (racist, etc.) emails from individuals you don’t want to make waves with?
My mother-in-law, my godmother, and the dear mom-like receptionist from my very first job years and years ago (whose son is still our contractor from time to time) have all sent me this type of junk from time to time. I want to keep on friendly terms with each of them, but I also feel like such a coward every time I ignore this garbage (or worse, that I’m giving approval by staying quiet). If it were a coworker or close friend (or honestly, same people but not with communication in an electronic setting), I would be OK with engaging in a political debate or speaking my mind–but somehow this just doesn’t feel like the right approach here.
FWIW, I asked to be removed from forward lists with the receptionist but yet this type of communication still comes through from time to time. (And I still want to know what her and her family are up to, so I don’t want to cut ties entirely by blocking her.)
How are you all handling these situations?
Chicago K
Are they sending to your work account or personal account?
Either way, I would be inclined to politely ask they refrain from sending me any type of email that could be deemed as controversial, as I may inadvertently open the content at work and put my job at risk.
Eponine
I used to get these from a couple family members. I reply, straightforwardly rebut any assertions in the email that are plainly false, and say clearly that I consider this email hate speech and I do not want to receive anything like it in the future. However, these were family members I could speak that plainly to. If it were a business contact or an acquaintance, I would probably reply and say that I found the content of the email objectionable and that I don’t want to receive any future political emails but would still love to receive personal updates.
Anon for this comment
I ask to be deleted. I had this s__t from a relative (my religion), then daily emails from a Catholic friend (“Jesus is the only way to salvation”…unspoken message “you’re going to hell if you don’t convert asap”). I asked her to stop and have not friended her on FB etc/any social forum.
Anon
UGH. Others have given excellent suggestions, but I especially like the ones where you get in that persons face and ask “what do you mean?”.
Another story, we were looking to buy a house and looking at various areas. DH’s co-worker, a nice lady otherwise, asked him not to look at a particular area because it was majority jewish area.
That left us really dumbfounded and surprised.
Anon
I wouldn’t necessarily be offended. And I apologize to anyone if I get the words wrong, no offense meant. There are a few towns around my area that are predominantly Jewish. Two of my friends who are Jewish live in one particular town. There are 3 synagogues in the town. I know that they aren’t as observant as others and would not buy in the areas around town closest to the synagogues, because if you live there, it’s expected that you keep a very strict observance to the rules and customs, like walking to services, not driving on Saturdays, etc. There’s also a silent code amongst real estate agents in that area to only show those homes to the “right” people. They want to keep those homes for those who are strict observers of the rules. (This is what I was told when one of my friends was buying his house in town. He was basically told “You wouldn’t be happy there.” And he’s Jewish!)
My roommate from law school lived in a Jewish neighborhood in Los Angeles. Again very observant in dress and customs. She was very on guard when I came to visit because she broke tradition when I was there, like driving the kids to Hebrew school rather than walking and not dressing as conservatively as she otherwise would, and it worried her what others would say.
Not that it’s an excuse for your husband’s co-worker but it might be the type of remark I’d say if someone mentioned that they were moving to ABC, but with some explanation.
Anon for this one too
You make a really good point that I didn’t think of. I actually live near a predominately Jewish area – a great deal is closed here for Shabbat (Friday Sundown to Saturday Sundown). While we are not observant and can drive to other restaurants/shops 5 miles the other direction, I can see how this could take people by suprise if they weren’t expecting or observing the custom.
So yeah, I can see someone of another faith saying, “What you mean I can’t go shopping on Saturdays here!?!”
Lola
You can absolutely be offended as a human being.
If it’s a comment about religion at work, I think it’s inappropriate, period. Regardless of whether it’s a positive or negative comment. Work is not the place to talk about religion (or politics, for the most part).
If it’s racist or other discriminatory comment, you can choose to call them on it (and there are some great suggestions from other Corporettes). If you don’t want to change their mind, though, you can also say something like, “That’s inappropriate. Please don’t make any more comments like that while I’m around.” Sometimes it’s hard to actually have a discussion, and the most you can reasonably expect them to do is keep their prejudices to themselves.
AnneCatherine
I would just try to make them feel small, i.e., by keeping a rather dour face, and saying “I wouldn’t say that.” I’m not sure it changes any minds, but it seems to shut people up.
E
Send a complaint to HR saying that the language is offensive to those who are members of the groups OR close to members (that covers the fact that nobody in your working environment at the moment is a member of the group) and that it condones offensive language in the office.
75
Looks like Sunday School Teacher clothes – and I know because I used to be one! If I am spending a lot on a sweater I perfer to buy 100% cashmere.
But in general I do love Kate Spade, particularly Kate Spade reading glasses.
Shukween
re the sweater: this one just looks to librarian-esque to me—I much prefer the longer boyfriend cardigan/belted look over a dress like the one shown. The shorter cardigans on anyone but a fairly small physique just remind me of schoolteachers (my mother wore them constantly) and librarians.
re the racial comments: i would either report them and the sayer of them to HR, or say nothing. folks like that typically only make themselves look bad. you won’t gain anything by making an issue out of one of his/her comments as and when uttered, you’ll just make a scene
MelD
I disagree on the boyfriend being better. I think it’s a fairly bad shape if you’re a pear and don’t want anything bringing attention to your hips/thighs. This shorter length is great for me because it draws the eye up to my thinner area (the top) and away from my hips!
In terms of racist comments, I’d take the person aside and mention that the comments were making you uncomfortable and may be making others uncomfortable as well. I would try to avoid making a comment in front of the group as it could escalate into a public argument.
AnneCatherine
“I disagree on the boyfriend being better. I think it’s a fairly bad shape if you’re a pear and don’t want anything bringing attention to your hips/thighs. This shorter length is great for me because it draws the eye up to my thinner area (the top) and away from my hips!”
I’m a fairly balanced-albiet large–hourglass, but, this. That’s why different styles exist for diffrent figures. I do not need my hips, stomach, rear end bulked up with a cardi. I like them to end mid-waist range.
dee
I actually like the dress the model is wearing underneath, but good god Kate Spade clothing is expensive – and this is from somewhere whose closet is filled with Theory and DvF. I don’t know if I can rationalize $500 for a work dress.
Hydrangea
I love the dress & the purple & yellow accessories. No bows for me. I find them juvenile, not feminine.
Hydrangea
On a close up of the dress I see it has a huge bow at the collar. It would make me look like a librarian. Not for me
worried intern
Okay, apologies for the threadjack :(
I am currently interning in a small office of a global consultancy firm. I always try and dress really well, I saved through school and was a clearance/outlet fiend. As a result, I think I have a nice wardrobe collection (given my age) and think I’m very well put together (again, given my age – obviously I don’t have Dior and Chanel in there but I try and buy good quality items from nicer retailers). Anyway, we’re a small office, like I say, and since I’ve joined my female superior has paid me compliments for my attire (as has my male boss). A couple of days ago, however, she said something to the effect of ‘I’ve never seen you wear anything twice! How large is your wardrobe?!’ – at that point I’d only been there for 11 working days or so. I have a tendency to overthink things so maybe I should not think anything of it. However, I also don’t want her thinking I’m showing off by coming in well-attired. Like I say she is fairly pleasant and is fairly positive but that comment through me off. I dealt with it by making a joke and saying I loved bargain-hunting (the blouse I was wearing that day cost me about $10 down from about $80) and I said something to the effect of ‘can you believe what a great bargain it? I get such a thrill when I find a good deal like that’
So what should I think corporettes? I am working hard to make a good impression. I was thinking of ‘dressing down’ today, given what she said but I realise I didn’t have anything nasty-looking in my wardrobe because I have tried so hard to find nice pieces and spend my money wisely.
worried intern
boo, just saw the typos :( it’s the end of the day in my part of the world, sorry :(
anony
I wouldn’t worry about it. It doesn’t sound like she was criticizing you, just noticing you’re well dressed and making a light-hearted comment. Don’t wear something “nasty-looking” to avoid looking too put together. Someone will probably notice that too but not in a good way.
A.M.
Don’t worry about it. If it were 2 months in and she said it, then maybe, but I find that some staff are genuinely impressed when interns dress so well given the intern-reputation (see the blog Spotted: DC Summer Interns).
Congrats on the internship! Fellow intern here on my way out. I always get compliments on my wardrobe, we are biz casual but I always dressed a bit more business-y because I haven’t earned the right to dress how I want yet.
Anonymous
11 days? Hahaha. I’ve never tried but I think I could go for a month without wearing the same outfit twice, and I think this is typical for 20-something women. Anyway it’s hard to tell if she was being judgy or complimentary, and you could just tell her you have a small wardrobe but like to mix up your outfits so you don’t usually wear the exact same outfit more than once a month or so. But if you’re worried, maybe leave a cardigan at your office that goes with a lot of outfits and throw it on whenever you’re cold so you can be seen wearing the same cardigan a lot. Or, just have two or three outfits that you wear more often than the rest. Problem solved.
Anonymous
I also think the general culture towards fashion where you live/work may play a role. I currently live in the States, but my previous work experience was in a country where, imo, women buy fewer pieces of clothing and wear them frequently, so if you have 10 skirts to rotate when most others have 3, then it may be noticed. Not necessarily negatively, but just as an observation.
Louise
Rather than “dress down,” tomorrow you might try repeating one of your outfits from last week and deliberately pointing it out to her in a light-hearted manner: “See? I do have to repeat! But I did wear different earrings.” A big smile is the key here.
This would send the message that you can take a bit of joking about your clothes while still dressing in a professional and tasteful way. Nothing wrong with rerunning a nice ensemble!
I think your comment about finding bargains was good, too. Hopefully, a few light conversations will put an end to her overly noticing your clothing. You have nothing to be ashamed of.
anon
I’m sorry, but I have to disagree. I think if you point it out like that, you’re showing her comment has been eating at you. I think you’re only going to make it into a bigger deal (and perhaps appear like you’re lacking in some confidence).
I would continue to dress well, maybe repeat a bit, and not give it another thought. Only one exception: Nothing too out and out showy. (See Kat’s thread awhile back about a new hire carrying a Birkin.) You say nothing is Dior, etc., so I’m sure you’re fine though.
b u
Actually I disagree with all the posts that suggest you should repeat an outfit on purpose. Sounds like your supervisor is just jealous. Wear what you want as long as it is appropriate for work. Even if it’s a Birken. Be true to yourself.
Amy
I buy pretty classic stuff that lasts a long time, plus I have huge closets, and also a problem getting rid of things. I could probably go four months without repeating an “outfit.” I once had a female coworker say to me “I never see you wear the same thing twice.” I laughed and asked how she could tell that all my black pants, skirts and tops were different – and then she laughed and admitted she couldn’t. I have found that if you accessorize well, you can wear the same thing several times but people will think it’s different because you’re not wearing the exact same “ensemble” every time. I wouldn’t be overly concerned, and I also wouldn’t quit wearing nice things.
worried intern
Thanks for the replies everyone!
I must say I repeat skirts fairly regular – I have maybe 5 skirts that are nice/non-particular (ie plain standard colours – greys/browns/blacks…not things with patterns), but I do have a lot of blouses and maybe a bunch of dresses so I can go for a long time without wearing the same combo, but I’ll wear the same skirt at least once every week…but yeah, I could go for a while without repeating the *same* outfit.
Kaye
I think the solution is simple – just repeat your favorite outfits occasionally :)
AN
Do nothing. Dress well. If she brings it up again, that’s HER issue. Not yours.
kcaco
Attn: Canadian Corporettes or frequent business travelers –
How long should I budget for passport control and customs in Toronto? I’ll be flying in for a meeting from the States and want to be sure I have time to spare.
Anon
I’ve only flown into Toronto once, last year, and passport/customs didn’t take very long at all, but I was on the last flight of the night so maybe fewer crowds?
However, when I flew home I was shocked to see that you go through U.S. customs in Toronto, before boarding the plane back to the States. I had scheduled a loong layover in New York, thinking I would need to go through customs upon landing and before catching the last leg of my return flight. I’m just glad I got to the Toronto airport with enough time to spare, so make sure you plan accordingly! (Still don’t remember it being that long a wait though, but they made me transfer my carryon liquids from the quart-size bag to a liter-size bag!)
SK
It varies wildly depending on the time of day and how many flights have landed recently. I don’t remember if there’s a dedicated U.S. line or not (I fly on a Canadian passport), but to be safe I’d budget about as long as you would for any other foreign country. And Anon is right, U.S. immigration is always done at the Canadian airport you’re flying out of, so budget extra for that.
AnneCatherine
“How long should I budget for passport control and customs in Toronto? I’ll be flying in for a meeting from the States and want to be sure I have time to spare.”
It took me five minutes to breeze through. It took the person I was there with like 15. Issue was, they asked me if I was there on business, I just said “yes,” and did not elaborate. He likes to hear himself talk and starting saying he was there for a deposition, blah blah blah, but oh don’t worry, he wasn’t bringing his own court reporter, blah blah blah (becuase you are not supposed to take work away from Canadian citizens, I think?). Just don’t volunteer information!
Toronto is great, I was there in August and the weather was beautiful. I’m jealous and I want to go back. :(
Sharon
I think this is a great look (the cardigan with the dress).
THIS is the kind of dress that is powerful for work, and a cardigan that works. Strong fabric, a work cut. Not all the silk-dresses-suitable-for-dinner-dates that are featured on here regularly, with their little cap sleeves and the inevitable mismatched blazers that get thrown over them in an attempt to make them business-appropriate.
I think the bow is a non-issue.
Nice find, Kat.
Anonymous Today
You do realize that this is a sleeveless silk dress, right?
Sharon
Yes, but it’s a day dress in terms of the cut and pattern.
A lot of the dresses that get shown on here look to me like dresses for going out on a social occasion for dinner or a wedding, not for day wear.
Anonymous Today
Why specifically mention silk and cap sleeves in your description of inappropriate dresses then?
anon
And a “light as air” silk dress with a giant bow at the neckline, no less.
Anonymous
Little cap sleeves are an issue, but a bow on your collar isn’t?
Sharon
Look at Kat’s 7/26, 8/5 and 8/9 dress posts for examples of what I mean. I think nothing looks more young than wearing a dress more suited for an evening event during the day. It looks like an inexperienced young girl who doesn’t know the difference between dress-up for a date and dress-up for the office. It’s far more juvenile than a bow here and there, IMO. But hey that’s just me!