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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Loving this fabulous purple sheath dress from Elie Tahari. The ladylike knee length, the high neckline, the high armhole — it all seems like a nice twist on the classic black or navy sheath dress. It's $298 at Bloomingdale's. Elie Tahari Follie Sleeveless Double Knit Sheath Dress 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…
Genny
I LOVE sheath dresses and I love this color. A dangerous combination for $298.
Bonnie
I appropriately just ordered a purple sheath dress from Nordies. It’s marked down to $48: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/t-tahari-corrina-dress/3201063?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=0
MsZ
Drat – too short! (I need a 40″ length for work.)
Dress Lover
I aim for 40″, too. I find them hard to locate. Where do you have the most luck? Is your situation dress-code induced, or do you just feel better in a longer skirt? I find myself dealing with shorter dresses by wearing tights, but I feel so much better with a longer skirt.
Legally Brunette
I aim for 40″ as well. There aren’t a lot out there, but there might be more than you think. My go to brands for dresses are:
Tahari ASL – lots have a 39″ length, and Tahari is really good about leaving 1-2 inches of hem to let out.
Calvin Klein – same as above
Classique Entier – they run from 36 – 40″, and usually have at least 2-3 inches to let out.
Eliza J – just bought an adorable dress that was a 37″ but had at least 5 inches that could be let out.
Lafayette/St. John/Rachel Roy – I can’t afford these brands but their dresses always seem to be on the longer side.
Banana – I have a gorgeous silk jersey dress from 4 years ago that is a 41″. Sadly, even their tall sizes are sometimes not long enough for me, but you might try that.
Hope that helps!
Bunkster
Thanks for the post. I just bought it, too.
Ellen
Your VERY smart to buy that on SALE! I want to get a new dress but the one I saw at Lord & Tailor was over $100. It is just like the one I am wearing now, but in GREEN.
The manageing partner likes when I wear dresses, but I will not get any that are to tight or to low in front. As it is he LOVES to stare at me. His secretary says he has astigematesism, what ever that is, but I said he should not STARE at me no matter what.
Right now, I have to prepare for alot of EBT’s b/c we are doing DISCOVERY for a case I am second charing with the manageing partner.
The Bad Wife
Hey I looked for the dress at Lord and Taylor. Would die for a green version. Do you have a link?
And stay away from the MANAGEING PARTNER!
L
In my basket. Thanks!
just Karen
Thanks, I just bought it too! I am going to have to ban myself from this site if I keep this shopping up…I already desperately need to do a closet purge.
K
How does sizing for this dress run compared to AT/BR? I’m normally a 0-2 in their clothes, and am wondering if the 4 would fit or if it would be too big.
ahm
Love it! Ordered :)
SF Bay Associate
Lovely indeed. And Elie Tahari is hip friendly, like Classiques Entier. I will sale stalk this for sure, but right now, I am way too enamored off all the Nordie’s markdowns. I love me some Half Yearly Sale!!!
SF Bay Associate
Anyone have an experience with Rachel Roy? Several very cute dresses at Nordie’s on sale right now, but I’m unfamiliar with the brand. Thoughts on fit and sizing?
karenpadi
The clothes are nice but not the highest quality. The clothing doesn’t last longer than a season or two. Sizing runs like BR.
LawyrChk
Just bought The Skirt for $33 in teal, so I am a happy girl.
Legally Brunette
I know, right?? Just bought wayyyyyy to much stuff, including the gorgeous Tory Burch dress that was featured on here a while ago (I think when Lisa was a guest poster?). As for Rachel Roy, no advice but I was eyeing that gorgeous long sleeved magenta dress that she has on sale, but ultimately decided against it bc of it’s entirely synthetic (I wear polyester, but don’t want to spend nearly $300 for a poly dress).
Baby DC Attorney
I’m so confused! I thought the half-year sale didn’t start online until Thursday?
Legally Brunette
Hi Baby DC, I believe that the sale starts officially on Thursday but online there are already tons of sale items available. They do that every year, not sure why.
Baby DC Attorney
Ah ha – thanks for the explanation!
Diana Barry
Love the color. Why must Bloomie’s omit the length of the dress? Then you have to call them and ask.
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
Quick question. Is $127 for a classic looking (i.e. unembellished) faux leather bomber jacket? I think because of the classic shape I would get a lot of wear out of it, but I’ve never spent so much on a jacket before and I am a little hesitant to bite the bullet.
Thanks for the help ladies.
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
Sorry, early morning posting is not my forte. I meant to ask if $127 for the jacket is reasonable.
Thanks again.
viclawstudent
It seems pretty reasonable to me. If it was real leather I’d expect it to be at least twice that if not more; for faux that seems suitable.
Where are you seeing it? I won’t buy leather anymore but like the leather jacket aesthetic and would like to find a classy fake one.
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
Here is the jacket http://bit.ly/u8suyt. Use INSIDER to get it down to $118.50 and then tax will be added.
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
My link got stuck in moderation, so I’ll try again with the full thing. http://www.eloquii.com/Signature-Bomber-Jacket/22739320,default,pd.html?start=5&cgid=eloquii_shop-the-collection_jackets-outerwear
eaopm3
Now that I look at your link, I see that the jacket you’re looking at is much more polished than the one I linked to below. Here is another one that is pretty cute as well:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/flying-tomato-faux-leather-bomber-jacket/3202468?origin=category&cm_ven=Linkshare&cm_cat=partner&cm_pla=10&cm_ite=1&siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-JwCBzsI994Qd1xqFk2hCVg
Lalalala
I would say no – because it’s not real leather. I spent $80 on a leather bomber jacket at Wilson Leather 2 years ago. I have worn it probably a hundred times, and I still get compliments.
It might take some hunting / patience, but I think you can find a better deal.
Makeup Junkie
Agreed – real leather doesn’t cost that much if you hunt it down, so I wouldn’t pay that much for faux
Miriam
This! For faux leather it is a bit pricey. I would wait for a sale which will likely be soon because of the holidays.
Kanye East
But so much more goes into the pricing of a garment than just its materials. You’re also paying for design, craftsmanship, construction, labor, etc. I wouldn’t write off a non-leather as “not worth it” just because you could get leather for the same price or less.
Lyssa
I agree, though I guess it can be hard to tell if the quality is right (You know that leather will wear well, but faux is harder to judge). $127’s more than I would spend, but I’m cheap, and I don’t need a winter coat right now. If I did, and I really loved it and think it will last a while, I think that’s a perfectly fine price.
eaopm3
I think that’s a little too much, unless there is something special about it. Does it look vintage or is it especially warm? I bought a faux leather bomber about two years ago for about $70 and have gotten a lot of wear out of it. I looked online at Nordstrom in the juniors dept and they have a pretty cute black bomber jacket for $58 or so. It also comes in a beige color and has great reviews. I’m actually considering ordering it now, even though I definitely do not need it!
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
Can you share a link?
eaopm3
Absolutely! (apologies for not knowing how to do the “tiny” url thing):
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/collection-b-faux-leather-bomber-jacket-juniors/3216209?origin=category&resultback=1330#BVRRWidgetID
southanon
I would say no (unless you are going for faux leather for ethical reasons). I picked up a great leather jacket at the Coach outlet for about that amount during one of their coupon sales.
ahm
apologizes for the early threadjack, but has anyone ever experienced violent sneezing fits that woke them from sleep and kept them up for a couple of hours? although i have fairly bad allergies (cats, pollen, dust) i’ve never had a sneezing attack like this before and now its happened twice in the last 4 days. the first time was at the reasonable hour of 7:30 am, but today i woke up at 3 am and although I immediately took Allegra I couldn’t fall back asleep for a couple hours. I don’t get a ton of sleep to begin with and this is making the situation much worse. I have no idea what the cause of it is – I’ve always had bad pollen/ragweed allergies but this isn’t the season I normally have problems (although I live in CA and am fairly new here, so maybe there is an allergy season in Oct/Nov? Anyone in CA know?) and even when my allergies were at their worst before I never woke up from them. We also had a cleaning service for the first time lsat week (two days before the first attack) and I’m wondering if its that, and if so what to do other than give up the service. Anyone experience this before?
Anonymous
Do you use a Neti pot? Allergens can get into your sinuses or your nostrils and just kind of hang out there. Flushing them with a nasal pot really helps. If you aren’t already, you should also be showering before bed to make sure you get any pollen out of your hair and off your skin, you should use allergen covers for your mattress and pillow, and run a HEPA filter at night.
I have had allergy-related sneezing fits like that before, and I don’t think it’s really anything to worry about, but you should probably find an allergist if you aren’t already seeing one.
Erin
Ugh – this was me! Always forget to put a name for my first post of the day.
Bonnie
Sounds like you need to go to the doctor and get allergy tests.
CN
I’m in CA as well and have been sneezing so frequently the last two weeks that I feared I was getting sick. Didn’t happen. So then I wondered if it was seasonal allergies (which I’ve never suffered from in the past.) Maybe there is something in the air.
zenmom3
I agree you should go get allergy testing. I had this 18 years ago — I would have these major sneezing attacks around 10pm and then again around 5am — my allergy doctor says that’s when trees, grass, etc. pollinates (sp?). I took allergy medicine and kept the windows closed and that helped some. Then about 10 years ago I finally broke down and did allergy shots and I am SO glad I did!! My springs and falls are SO much better now! Good luck — I’m sorry you’ve been miserable!
Mella
Yes, there’s an allergy season in California. Two for me, actually – when we get that first burst of heat in the spring and if we have a sudden warmup in the “fall” which just happened. Stuff blooms and drives me crazy – although until two weeks ago I did okay on OTC Claritin or Zyrtec. Two weeks ago there was /something/ in the air that burned my eyes off and on for several days. Thank god that’s over now. And we’re about to get a cold front.
Notalawyer
Ditto to what Mella said.
ahm
Thanks for the replies and helpful suggestions! I did have allergy tests a long time ago (conclusion: I’m allergic to everything) but will consider doing it again. and interesting info about CA allergy season, thanks. I know I always get sick when the weather fluctuates wildly like this, so it makes sense that it could be tied into allergies too.
a nonny miss
have any plus-sized corporettes looked at the Eloquii by The Limited collection yet? thoughts?
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
I did; that’s where the jacket I was asking about came from. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed, not with the clothing, but with the prices and selection. I hope there will be some better coupons coming out soon (25% is nice, but I’m starting to feel like 30% is becoming pretty standard). As far as selection goes, according to the FB page, they will be adding new items every two weeks.
I did get the obi belt though and liked some of the necklaces, but once again, the prices.
What did you think?
a nonny miss
I had seen some thing previewed that aren’t presently on the site that I’m a little bummed about, but okay, if they’re releasing new items every two weeks.
Overall, it was what I expected and I think I’ll try some pants and a bomber jacket too!
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
See above re: the bomber jacket. Even with the 25% off coupon, it was still about $127 for me (tax to Colorado), but there are some similar lower priced options at Nordies, so you may want to check those out.
anon
I was dissapointed that a yellow dress that one plus size blogger featured doesn’t appear to be available-maybe later.
I think the collection is nice, and I think it’s smart to have fewer offerings available during the initial launch. It gives them time to figure out what pieces/cuts are popular and hopefully they’ll add more later.
Mella
Thanks for reminding me! I took a quick perusal but will have to look more in-depth tonight.
I don’t see a “store locator” on the Eloquii site but I do on the main Limited site. Is Eloquii online-only?
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
Yes for now, but free shipping and free returns does ease the pain.
b23
I like the dress!
Threadjack: Are three piece suits still in style? I am wearing a tweed Ted Baker pantsuit today with the matching vest. I like it a lot but haven’t seen anyone else wearing this look yet this year, so just wanted to make sure.
Kanye East
I wear them, but that’s no guarantee they’re fashionable! ;)
lostintranslation
If someone looks good in what they’re wearing, I never ever stop to think if it’s “in” or not. Then again, as an engineer, nobody is asking for my definition of “in”… So thumbs up to both of you from me!
Always a NYer
I love three piece suits. There’s something about the vest that makes me feel much more put together. I’ve also never cared for whether or not my clothing is “in style.” As long as it fits well and is appropriate for the situation, I wear what I want. Wear your tweed suit proudly!
AIMS
Very pretty! Bloomies is having a friends & family sale coming up so this should be 20% off soon for those of you who are interested. I was really considering it until I saw the fabric content (viscose rayon/nylon/elastane). My new rule is I just am not spending over $100 on non-wool dresses for work. It’s just not worth the investment for me.
Sweet as Soda Pop
Love the color and the shape, but that V would be totes inapprop on my 32F chest. :(
Anonymous
Have we really reached a point as a society where a person who presumably has a graduate degree can’t write out the words totally and inappropriate?
anon
Are people so miserable that they have to criticize something as trivial as this? She’s writing a post on a fashion blog, not submitting a document for work. Chill out, you’ll get wrinkles.
Kanye East
Do you even go here?
eaopm3
“No. I just have a lot of feelings.”
SarahJ
No… I just have a lot of feelings…
AnonInfinity
I use phrases like “totes inapprop” ironically all the time.
LOL to anon @ 10:38 — “Chill out, you’ll get wrinkles.” So, so true.
PollyD
For shizzle.
Lyssa
I like when people use colloquialisms and abbreviations when they speak here- it’s fun and adds to the general environment of this being a bunch of comfortable friends to which we can ask just about anything. Why be stuffy?
eaopm3
Samesies. ;)
Lyssa
LOL!
Tired Squared
It bothers me when people say things like that out loud at work, but not in this type of friendly environment.
Anonymous
It’s not that she can’t, she chose not to.
blech
I mostly found the abbreviations hard to read, until I read it outloud.
Also “totes” makes me think of a carrying device. Its a little distracting when the shortened word turns out to be a word all on its own. Kind of like a book I read that shortened “analysis” to “anal” (For the ENTIRE book).
Oneanon
Lucky sizes (4 and 10) left – I bought this skirt last week and it is great for anyone looking for something slightly longer than most pencil skirts! Very tailored and flattering without being bootylicious – it hits just below my kneecap. Belt is removable. Doesn’t wrinkle!
On sale for $39.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-high-waist-pencil-skirt/3189129?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=1938
BigHTown
I got this several weeks, maybe a month ago. I second the posting! Looks lovely and not so sexy as the photo.
Miriam
Haha I certainly could not read that book! I don’t think it is a big deal to say things like “totes inapprop” on this site, but it is rude to criticize for it. Really, who cares! Shouldn’t this be an opportunity to escape that criticism??
L
Ew. That is terrible.
Diana Barry
Agreed – “totes” is one of those abbreviations I just don’t get until I read it a few times.
blech
I do find the whole shortened word thing a little grating in general – not enough to usually say anything, but it will make me cringe…
Formerly Preggo Angie
Someone used “vaca” for vacation, and I thought for awhile they were talking about their cow.
The Bad Wife
I agree. Totes inapprop? How many seconds do you even save?
Sweet as Soda Pop
Whoa. Did not realize my abbreviation would cause such a stir. I wouldn’t say this at work, but would say it when being funny around friends, which I consider most of you ladies to be even if I don’t comment often, and we’ve never met.
anon
No probs.
Andrea @ Imwaytoobusy
This is such a classy dress. Beautiful color!
Anon
What do we think of this Elie Tahari Winona Satin dress on sale at Nordies? Too shiny/formal for office wear?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/elie-tahari-winona-satin-sleeveless-sheath-dress/3209712?origin=shoppingbag
Oneanon
Yes, too shiny/formal. Perfect for office holiday party though.
Batgirl
Depends on the office. I think it could work for a conservative office. Very pretty too!
a passion for fashion
I would totally wear that to work. I’d probably put a cardigan on though.
Anon
Yah I feel like I saw this at my department store the other day- it isn’t ‘shiny’, I think it is just the lighting in the photo that makes it look shiny. I would totally buy that. It’s beautiful!
zenmom3
Did anyone get an e-mail from Banana this morning: “Save on must-have styles” and then there are three pictures — the first has a gorgeous long oatmeal sweater with a striped shirt and jeans. I couldn’t find the sweater on the website — is it already sold out? Or yet to arrive on the website?
Argie
Could be the sweater is in stores only? Or not online yet. I know some of the Mad Men pieces never made it online.
b23
YES! I spent a good 20 minutes this morning looking for that sweater on their website! I WANT IT.
Aria
My feet are always freezing at work in my pumps, so I’m trying to figure out work appropriate shoes I can wear with socks. I recently bought a pair of booties that I love, but other than that, do you ladies have any suggestions? (And I don’t find knee length leather boots comfy all day under pants, so that’s out).
Diana Barry
I have a pair of loafer/clog hybrids that are pretty warm. I find shoes with soft insoles (naot, gentle soles, softwalk) to be warmer, in general, than those that don’t have any kind of insole (just a leather lining).
IA_Eng
In a previous position when I was an engineer working in a factory I had to wear shoes that fit my company’s business casual dress code and for safety purposes cover the top of foot. I wound up wearing a lot of high-heeled loafers because they come up higher on the foot and there are some decent-looking (albeit not terribly fashion-forward) options out there – I would check out brands like Naturalizer, Franco Sarto, and Clarks.
IA_Eng
Here’s an example:
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/franco+sarto+nolan+pump?prodId=229589&productRef=SEARCH
Cat
Are your feet even freezing in trouser socks? Mine are usually ok in sheer knee-high socks, although I also have some tights-weight pairs (in black, brown and gray) that I use for colder days. Much better than bare skin!
PollyD
There are a lot of oxford-style pumps out there that I think can be worn with socks + pants. Some are more traditional (AK Anne Klein, Clarks) some a little more funky (check out Miz Mooz and Poetic License).
I, for one, am happy to see the return of the oxford shoe + heel. I find that these shoes, with the higher vamp, stay on my feet better and are much more comfortable than pumps. I think they look great with pants, and some of them look good with tights + dress/skirt, albeit for a more casual look. This pleased me very much when I traveled to a meeting last month and was able to bring one pair of shoes that worked with my pants and with the dress I brought.
Erin
Trouser socks should work fine with pumps. I normally just wear knee-high hose and I find that keeps my feet noticeably warmer than they are when bare.
Bunkster
I had the same problem re: cold feet yesterday. Today I broke out my new aerosole suede clogs. They’re rubber soles with a small heel and fake fur lining. TJMaxx has stacks of them for $29.99.
MsZ
Response to, I believe, Ru’s question last week about friendly, nonoffensive ways to indicate nonparticipation in Halloween. What Not To Do:
http://gawker.com/5855251/halloweens-meanest-witch-left-a-note
Disclaimer: not entirely safe for work and vulgar, due to language.
MeliaraofTlanth
Help! I’m supposed to go to a client gala tomorrow night; when the partner first told me about it and I asked about attire she said “cocktail, you know, like a little black dress.” So I borrowed this dress from a friend to wear: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=544757&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-n-_-n-_-n&LinkshareID=J84DHJLQkR4-5Z9L5N9sMuYEE013nwbpUQ
But Partner’s email reminder this morning said attire is black tie. Does this work for black tie??? In my mind, I think long dress when I hear black tie, but can I get away with this? (all the other associates my age that are going are guys, so obviously that doesn’t help, and I can’t find any pictures from previous years).
anon
I could see you getting away with this if you wear it with black hose, black satin pumps, and a wrap of some kind. Beautiful dress, btw!
Louise
Yes, that dress is black-tie appropriate. As anon said, glam it up with the right accessories and you’ll be fine.
L
Threadjack… looking for advice…
I have been dealing with ADHD forever, but I have been managing it successfully with medication. I just found out that my health insurance at my new firm will not cover my meds. This terrifies me because one, I don’t know how I’m going to manage the crazy workload without my meds, but mostly I know I am going to have an uptick in careless mistakes that for the life of me I can not avoid.
How do I handle this? I thought about asking my assistant to proof my work before it goes out, but that is not customary in my firm, and we only have two assistants. Should I ask my partner if I can use my assistant to proof my work? Am I going to have to be upfront with my partner?
Anon 3L
You can try appealing the scrip with your health insurance provider. If the med is not on its approved formulary, and there is no alternative that will work as well, you can try to get it covered. There should be some process involved for this, and I don’t know exactly what it is. I would call the insurance provider and ask. You might try to get a three months supply before you change to your new insurance, since this is one of those daily meds that are often filled in 90-day doses.
You can also pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement through a flex spending account. Doing this won’t cover the med, but you can pay for it with pre-tax dollars.
conbrio
I use the Walgreens savings program, where I pay an annual membership fee of around $20 and receive huge discounts on prescription drugs – the discount on some medications is so good that I don’t even run them through my insurance. If you have a Walgreens near you you should check it out, or see if other pharmacies in your area have similar programs, better pricing, etc.
Need a screen name
Thanks, Bonnie, I ordered that dress from Nordstrom’s…along with $400 of other goodies! It was a bad day at work.
dgh
I may be a day late and a dollar short, but I have news to share. I just purchased this dress at Marshalls for $29. That’s like 90% off!