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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 102 Comments · by

Tuesday’s TPS Report: Heidi dress in Prince of Wales wool

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. Heidi dress in Prince of Wales woolJ.Crew is doing a number of interesting things with ruffles and pleating and puckering — and while sometimes they look just a bit too messy for the office, this dress, I think, just looks artsy and cool. I like the two colors of gray, as well as the ruffle that peeks out from the waist. I'd try it with a burgundy or purple cardigan. It's $198 at Jcrew.com. Heidi dress in Prince of Wales wool Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. Disclosures

Sales of note for 9.30.24

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

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About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. Laura

    I love the look of this dress, and ordered it, but it was too low for my 34D chest, and the rest of it kind of draped wrong. I think it’s gorgeous and wish it could’ve worked for me.

  2. lawyerette

    I love the look of this dress. For my 36DD chest, I’d order it two sizes too big and then have it fixed by a tailor. I’ve had great luck doing this with Jcrew suiting dresses (wearing one today as a matter of fact) but it is costly. I usually wait till they have the dress on sale for half off or on ebay to make it worth it.

  4. AE

    With all the pleating, especially the pleating at the waist, I think this would be unflattering on almost anyone over a size 4.

    • Lola

      I agree. There are a lot of what I think of as “bold silhouettes” this year. This one of them. I give the designer an A for creativity, but it wouldn’t look good on any adult woman.

  5. D

    (Love this dress!)

    I’m wondering what you guys think about starting a Flickr group for Corporette. I for one, would love to get some feedback on outfits or the fit of a new purchase from people who know what’s going on. I’ve searched for similar groups but they all have lots of NSFW photos, erm, and not much in terms of honest feedback.

    For privacy, we could allow photos with heads cut off/blurred out and keep the more substantive discussion over here on the blog, where we can be as anonymous as needed.

    I’d be willing to start the group, but would need help moderating it to keep the NSFW stuff out… what do you guys think?

    • Ang

      I would love to see us do something like this! Like a Weardrobe or Chictopia, but for grown-ups. :)

    • Clerky

      I recently discovered YouLookFab, which has a great community section where tons of women post outfits and ask for suggestions. Most all of them are work outfits, although there is a mix of casual/dressy outfits in there too. It’s a great site and it has given me some good ideas on how to mix things up in my wardrobe.

    • govvie girl

      Like it…this website’s participants’ version of “What Not to Wear,” or more likely, “What TO Wear.” Um, without the public humiliation, shopping marathon and of course the $5K. Hair and makeup not included.

  6. L

    I like this, but the ruffle looks like a mistake…not sure if it would come out that way in person or not.

    Question for other Corporettes – what does everyone carry for a wallet? Yesterday someone suggested carrying a big tote but only having a wristlet to go out for evening etc. I would never be able to fit all my stuff in one of those! I just looked at my wallet and it has 15 credit card slots and they are all full (some have 2 and 3 things in them!). I would like a new wallet – this one is patent faux leather and kind of cheesy – but am not sure where to find one with tons of card slots like this one.

    • Anonymous

      I have a small pouch/wallet (MZ Wallace ‘Bettie’) – it fits about 8-10 cards (license, debit, credit, health ins, AAA, costco, etc) and a teeny tiny moleskine that I use to balance my checking account. It is also large enough that I can throw my cell phone (old school, not smart) into it if need be. Might not be large enough for all of your cards though.

      • Lyssa

        I have a very basic foldover wallet with two pockets on one side and an ID window on the other, that snaps together. (no name brand, don’t even remember where I got it).

        I keep my ID in the window (of course), and any other ID related cards I need behind my driver’s license (student ID when I was a student, that sort of thing). On the other side, in the front pocket, I keep my cash and debit card, for easy access. Every other card (10-ish- other credit cards, gift cards I might have, insurance cards, etc.) goes in the back pocket. That way they’re there, but, since I rarely use them, I have to shuffle through to actually get the one that I need. It works out pretty well. I wouldn’t want to put my other cards somewhere else and only get them when I need them, because I’d almost certainly forget or lose them.

      • AT

        I have the Hobo Lauren as well, and I LOVE it. I keep all my cash and work id and chapstick on one side, and my blackberry and phone (smaller flip phone) on the other side. Keys too (small fob — w/o my car keys). Perfect as a clutch for evenings or for jaunts outside the office, and otherwise I just throw it in my purse or tote. Ideeli just had several colors as “gift of the day” last Friday, and these are typically included in the Nordstrom Anniversary or Half-Yearly sales.

    • alhambra

      Do you really need all 15 cards when you go out? I have a big wallet but I put my ID, my debit card, one credit card and some bills in a small card case when I go out.

      • AIMS

        This is what I do also. I think, in general, it is good not good to take every single card with you at all times. E.g., I leave one bank card and one CC at home so that if there was an emergency (such as a lost or stolen wallet) I would still be able to have access to money.

        • Anon

          We also have a CC that neither of us ever carries with us that we use for all of the automatic stuff — the newspaper, the saved CC numbers on shopping and airline websites, the security system, whatever. That way, if (when) my DH loses his wallet, we don’t have to spend hours on end changing all of those automatic payments.

          • EK

            This is brilliant. Also, since you’re guaranteed to have activity on that card every month, you’re in much less danger of having your “emergency” card canceled or deactivated without warning.

      • Ru

        I have a huge checkbook wallet with all of my store credit cards and whatnot and a wristlet with my commuting passes/cards, work ID, driver’s license, some cash, one credit card and one bankcard.

      • L

        I would never have 2 places to put cards etc. – I have too much trouble finding everything I need to get out of the house in the first place – esp when I am going someplace with the kids! If my husband and I go out together, though, we usually just take his wallet and leave mine at home (or bring my license in the increasingly low likelihood that I get carded).

      • Jen L

        This is what I do as well, but my small wallet is my every day wallet. I don’t take it on interviews just in case someone sees it, but it is a metal cigarette case. It holds my ID, metrocard, debit card, and a bit of cash. I can stick it in my back pocket or any of my small clutches. It has been extremely handy for the last 10 years. I do have a full size wallet with a checkbook holder and section for coins that has the rest of my cards. If I need to use it, its simple for me to move the few cards and cash into it.

        • DietCoke1

          Coach makes nice wallets. I’ve had mine for a few years, and it still looks great after every-day use. My wallet is the kind you can fit a checkbook in, but if I’m using only a clutch at night, i just use a slim card holder.

      • Lynnet

        I second this. I was one of those carry everything in my wallet people until it was stolen a couple of years ago. I was on the other side of the country and it had both my driver’s license and my social security card in it. I was incredibly lucky my whole purse wasn’t stolen (it was taken out of my purse in the dressing room when I ran out to grab something in another size) because my passport was in my purse, so I was able to get home. I had so many cards in there that I couldn’t list them all when figuring out what was missing. Months later someone would ask me for something and I would realize it had been in my wallet. Now I my wallet only has the necessary cards (one debit, one credit, student id, driver’s license). Cards (like gift cards) that I might want to use on a whim are in a separate pocket in my purse, and everything else is left at home.

    • Nearing Due Date

      Chloe wristlet. Expensive yes, but I’ve had it for 4 years and it is in excellent shape.

    • kellyn

      I carry the most juvenile of wallets… a Vera Bradley keychain ID case. Having the two linked together make me hypervigilant of where they are at all times, and I’m proud to say I’ve not misplaced my keys (or attached wallet, duh) since I’ve started carrying one. Its small size help me limit what I carry to the absolute essentials: ID, 2 debits and a credit card, health insurance and AAA. Anything else, I keep copies of in my car or at work just in case, and the originals are at home.

      My checkbook (rarely used) has its own cover.

    • Eponine

      I have a Fossil “Popstitch Multifunction” wallet. It’s really good quality for $40. Like you, I have a ton of stuff. It has a bunch of card slots, a removable part, 2 bill compartments, etc. It comes in a larger and a smaller size, too.

      When I go out at night, I transfer what I need (ID, cash, public transit card) into an ID case and carry a clutch. I have a Vera Bradley wristlet that will fit just my wallet and keys, too, for when I just want to run to the grocery store or gym.

  7. shyanon

    This one was not a keeper for me – the v-neck is so low that you could see my bra.

    • AIMS

      I am not a fan either. I wish JCrew would bring back classic suiting dresses like they used to make. I have a black wool one with long sleeves (imagine!) & a gorgeous high neckline that I adore. But the latest iterations have been wholly unappealing & not at all practical for work. It’s like what’s the point?

      • anonymiss

        J. Crew suiting dresses have not worked for me, with one exception, in several seasons. The necks are either too low for my 36DD chest or the seaming hits me so strangely that the dress doesn’t fit properly. Also, the sleeveless/cap sleeve style necessitates a cardigan over or a long sleeve shirt under it, and then you lose most of the flattering lines. It’s been so frustrating lately.

      • NB

        It looks like they made a mistake with the ruffle. It looks unfinished, especially for the price. It looked good from “afar,” but when you zoom up close it looks terrible.

  8. LawyrChk

    Pretty, but I’m shivering just looking at this. I think I’m cutting all dresses not made out of heavy wool from my wardrobe until April.

  9. Circle scarves

    I recently discovered the infinity circle scarves, and love them. I’m a klutz when it comes to figuring out how to wear a scarf properly, but with a circle scarf it’s a no brainer. Any recommendations for where to find beautiful circle scarves? The one I just bought is from Nordstrom, looking for other store options too. Thanks!

    • surrounded by lawyers

      I have seen these at pretty much every department store (and discount store) I have visited recently. My own favorite “infinity scarf” is from Nordstrom as well, but also see good ones at Macy’s and Filene’s Basement, just as a start. I think you have lots of options!

      • Clerky

        I forgot about the discount stores like Filenes, Ross, Marshalls, etc. Thanks!

      • Infinity Scarves

        I agree that they can be found just about anywhere, but I wanted to second the Filene’s Basement suggestion. I have seen a great selection at two different Filene’s in the D.C. area.

    • 7

      Just saw one at Ann Taylor Loft that me and my co-worker bought. It’s fab and great (since The Loft is in the lobby of our office bldg, it was a nice little 15 minute break find!)

    • jcb

      I got one recently from bluefly.com. Not sure if they still have them, but I do like the one I got – thick knit, olivey green color with one thread of brighter green in the yarn. They had several colors as of a week or two ago.

  10. chix pix

    I don’t jundertand the pupose of these low V necklines – because not only do they reveal maybe a little too much but I don’t think they are pretty or flattering.

    Thread-jack – yesterday a new client came to me who is about to be fired for breaking dress code. I felt so bad for her – a really pretty 25 year old mom who obviously and sincerely has no clue what to wear to work – and I’ll bet this is true of many other people. Even for a day-off lawyer visit she was dressed in clothing so tight and sexual in appearance that it was distracting to me – a straight woman. The clothing choices now are so vast – do readers agree that this presents a difficult challenge?

    • I agree

      I wonder if the career development offices at law schools should do some sort of tutorial for students going off to their summer internships so that it is very clear what folks should and should not wear. In my summer class, we had a woman from Yale Law School who wore really low and inappropriate tops. She did get an offer ironically, but this was also back before the economy tanked. I think one of the issue is that there is so much variety with women’s clothes that some women don’t know how to choose. In a way, men have it so much easier with their button down shirts and slacks.

      • AIMS

        I actually considered reaching out to my law school this past summer to suggest this. We had some insane interns. One wore side ponytails every day (not low, more like Pippi Longstocking – straight ahead); one wore cocktail dresses. They should so do this!

        But to the original poster — I should think that a company that would fire you for violating a dress code, needs to make it much more clear what the actual dress code is in the first place. If someone said to me “don’t wear this, and please size up in that,” you can be sure I would seriously take that under advisement.

        • Jen L

          80’s style side ponytails and cocktail dresses? Craziness! Even without this blog, I would never have dressed like that as an intern.

      • Anon2

        This was part of the career workshop before interview season where I went to school – after 3 years I felt confident in understanding the professional dress code. That said, the on-boarding materials at my current company were extremely vague and open to interpretation in the dress code section so with no prior career workshops I would have been forced to figure it out through trial and error. If everyone’s dressed differently and you’re in a male dominated industry, I can see this being extremely difficult for women with little to no professional experience.

    • Lyssa

      I agree that clothing choices are vast, but I’m not sure that I could agree that they present a challenge. A lot of things are borderline, sure, but it seems pretty easy to know the difference between something that is out and out distracting, and I don’t feel comfortable with the idea that a person shouldn’t take responsibility for having that kind of judgment.

      For your client, I wonder- had she been repremanded before? I would assume so, but why is she not understanding the reprimands?

      • govvie girl

        That’s my question. Except for grave (safety, crime, etc.) mistakes, people aren’t (normally) fired for one transgression. Not everyone grows up in college-bound environments, and “dressing appropriately” can mean dressing like your friends of the same taste (or tackiness). That’s where orientation, mentorship and ultimately dress codes come in. If after all that “education,” employee still flouts the rules, he/she is not employee material.

      • Mella

        >but it seems pretty easy to know the difference between something that is out and out distracting

        Maybe it’s easy for us Corporettes, but maybe this client has never been in a place (occupationally, socially, whatever) where “attractive” =/= “sexy.” She’s only 25? Up till now, she may have always been rewarded by her clothing choices, and this is the first time it’s backfiring on her. Some people really don’t discern a difference between the “Wow, that’s a great idea, tell me more” glance and the “Wow, I can’t stop staring at your breasts” glance.

        • Lola

          (Or have such low self-esteem that those glances mean the same thing – attention.)

    • Another Sarah

      It sounds like your new client maybe didn’t have the benefit of a professional school career development office (25 years old is a bit young, although definitely happens often), and I can’t imagine a college giving this kind of advice to its undergrads (although maybe they should start). I think it would present a difficult challenge, but not if the boss is absolutely clear about what is included in he dress code and what is not. I think it’s safe to say that we all know not to wear jeans to a business-formal workplace. However, I’ve heard the serious justification that some jeans are fine, as long as they are “nice” jeans. I don’t mean trouser jeans, I mean the people are thinking, “These jeans cost me $200, therefore they are my nice jeans and I can wear them nice places,” when that obviously isn’t the fact. Trust me, this happens more often than anyone would care to admit. I definitely feel for your client, because she may not have been told clearly what the dress code is and how to present herself; if she hadn’t been told explicitly then it’s not fair. :-)

      • Anonymous

        It’s a difficult line. I agree that there has to be a certain level of specificity regarding dress codes (ex: no jeans ever, tailored pants/skirts, no sleeveless tops, collared shirts or sweaters for women, etc…) but I think that employees have to use discretion when it comes to fit/fabric. A dress code shouldn’t have to specify “no see through attire, no skin-tight pants, no visible thongs, no cleavage” etc – this should be common sense for workplace attire (assuming we’re talking business casual not bartending).

        • Another Sarah

          I agree completely with you. I guess I meant to say that some people don’t have the same thought patterns as others, and so sometimes one would need to specify no cleavage, no see-through stuff, etc. What’s common sense to some people isn’t common sense to others. :-)

          • AIMS

            People have weird perceptions and standards, too. For some people, clothing that’s too tight is actually clothing they think “fits” — i.e., if they can zip it, it’s their size. This is not appropriate but if no one has ever told you this and/or you surround yourself with people who do the same, how will you ever realize it?

          • Anonymous

            Wouldn’t you be able to look around the office and see that your clothes don’t “fit”, though?

            My department has 8 women, and we all have different personal styles and preferences when it comes to skirt length, heel height, necklines, etc. But you won’t see anyone’s VPL, and if someone new started whose pants were so tight as to make the cut of her undergarments a known fact, she should be able to figure that out.

    • Hmmm...

      I definitely feel for your client. I wanted to chime in and add that a lot of women are drawn astray by “wear-to-work” sections a lot of retailers feature on their websites. Of course we are all responsible for our own sartorial choices, but I’m often shocked at what retailers are suggesting as “work-appropriate” items.

      • Anon

        Very good point. So often, I’m like — really, where do YOU work exactly?

      • anon

        Not to mention the fact that this is totally reinforced by the salespeople, who often are totally clueless about what is appropriate for a conservative workplace.

        • govvie girl

          You’re not kidding. At the Ann Taylor where I was the other day, the salesgirls were extremely non-professional-looking. They all had long, patterned fake nails, huge hoops, tight jeans, and when the clerk went to wrap my garment for bagging, her sweater revealed her large back tattoo. It was the most hoochie Ann Taylor I’d ever been to. Not exactly great marketing or representation.

      • Anonymous

        Magazines feed into this too. I have seen “wear to work” spreads in magazines that were absolutely some of the most inappropriate clothes I could imagine (crotch-high skirts, tops cut almost to the navel, extremely tight/clingy dresses, etc.) On TV, many “professional” women either dress like hookers or in an absolutely bland and personality-free way (think Anna Kendrick’s character in Up In the Air, which I think is the clearest example of this – or Agent Stahl on Sons of Anarchy, wearing plain-jane suits and button-downs all the time). If people are relying on mass media to teach them how to dress “professionally,” they are going to miss the boat, big-time. The question then becomes, where are women supposed to get this information? I imagine not every working woman reads blogs like this or has people they can go to for advice.

        I feel fortunate because my mom and both grandmothers were working professionals and they were the ones who explained to me when a neckline is too low, a skirt hemline is too high, a dress is too tight, jewelry is too flashy, etc. I don’t know what you do if you don’t have business-dress role models you can look to – other than read Corporette.

        • Mac

          I completely agree with this. It’s rare that I see something in the “Wear to Work” section of a magazine that I think would fly in a conservative industry like law or banking. Either it’s too revealing or too trendy or both. My favorite example of inappropriate professional on TV is Lisa Cuddy on House. Great clothes, great style but almost always just a bit too tight or too much cleavage. She usually looks like she’s wearing the 0 when a size 2 would be a better fit. Smile lines on pants or skirts means that they’re TOO TIGHT (and I see this all the time now, even on the red carpet when the celebs clearly had their clothes fitted to their bodies).

          I am also fortunate enough to have a mom and grandma who were working professionals, so I learned about appropriate professional dress by observation, as well as specific conversations on what is and isn’t professional. I’ve worked in professional environments since I was 14 (starting with the summer that I was an “office assistant” at a family real estate business), so I’ve had plenty of time to learn what was appropriate. Not everyone has the opportunities that I’ve had.

          • Hmmm...

            I could not agree more about Cuddy! I feel like it’s gotten a little better as the series has gone on, but maybe I’m just desensitized to it. Another example-I was watching Life Unexpected (yes, not that most serious/realistic/adult of shows, but I love the CW) and a character who is supposed to hold a high position in the financial field (it’s not exactly clear what she does) was wearing a shear white shirt with a black bra at work. Ugh.

            I feel like Juliet on Psych usually looks really professional, but her outfits still have touches of femininity/individuality. I specifically notice it because it’s so rare!

          • Jen L

            I was just thinking the same thing about Juliet on Psych. I also thought that Natalie on Monk was good for more casual looks. I’m still sad that show is over.

          • Lola

            Kat used to do a feature on here that highlighted and sometimes critiqued the wardrobe of a “professional” female tv character. She should bring that back.

          • coco

            to be fair, the producers/creators/wardrobe people have said that they put Cuddy in clothing that’s too small on purpose to show her insecurity – i don’t agree that it works and it would be great to have more good role models, but at least they did it on purpose.

          • Frump

            My TV style icon for professional wear is Alicia from The Good Wife. I want to be her. Well, more like I want her wardrobe. The female partner’s wardrobe (I think her name is Diane) is also pretty fabulous as well. I think the costume designers for that show do such a good job at making the characters realistic and yet so stylish… case in point, Alicia has such classic, but stylish, suits and is ALWAYS wearing (the nicest matched) nylons, just like she’d probably be required to in ‘the real world’ of that type of law firm.

    • ID.

      My problem is that I think dressing in clothing too tight and sexual in appearance is something that you should just know, no matter what your school/parents/etc did or did not tell you. At some point you have to have some self initiative, whether that is googling or simply just listening to HR. Was this completely out of the blue? I find that hard to believe that everything was perfect and then one day, oh you’re fired for breaking the dress code for the last few months. Its not like she was wearing sweaters when she should have been wearing blazers, dressing in an extremely sexual way for work I actually think says something about your ability to grasp social norms, office culture, and about your judgment.

    • 7

      I dont think it’s that difficult. If you’re going to speed, just dont be the fastest car on the highway. Similarly if youre going to break the office dress code or are boderline unsure, just dont be the worst offender.

      Not that hard at all.

    • K

      If you grow up in an environment where no one around you is dressing for an office environment, I think it can be very difficult to figure out what you are supposed to wear. Especially if you are 25 and the other people in your position are 55. I agree that so many stores feature “wear to work” items that aren’t really office-appropriate that it can be difficult for young women who are unfamiliar with an office environment to figure out appropriate dress.

      • Mella

        >If you grow up in an environment where no one around you is dressing for an office environment, I think it can be very difficult to figure out what you are supposed to wear.

        Yes. This reminds me of the comment (I think it was even here on Corporette) from the teacher who wore a professional suit to work every day, because she was the ONE person that her young students EVER saw dressed in business clothes.

        • Anonymous

          I don’t agree with the argument that it is difficult to figure out what you are supposed to wear if you don’t grow up in an environment where the people around you are dressing for office environments.

          Is it difficult initially? Absolutely! For anyone, starting any new job, you have to figure out what is “appropriate” for your new environs. I went from one business-casual workplace to another = the actual day-to-day attire at each place is completely different, and I took a few days and observed and then figured out how to tailor myself appropriately.

          It takes research, and patience. Any time I’ve traveled to a different country, I take time to research what the local dress customs are so that I don’t stick out like a sore thumb. It should be the same for the workplace.

          • Anon

            I think that the issue is that not all work places contain legitimate fashion peers. I once summered in an office where all of the other women were quite a bit older and sort of heavy. I was in my early 20s and stick thin. I just figured that they dressed the way they did because they wouldn’t have looked good in more revealing clothes. I don’t think I was shocking, but I wore shorter skirts, lower-cut shirts, etc, than I ever would now. And even now, as I’ve learned better how to dress, I don’t dress like those women did. I swear I didn’t know a soul who rocked an appropriate work look for a young, thin woman in those days.

    • MelD

      I agree. Even among different workplaces in my hometown, what we were allowed to wear varied widely. Sometimes it can be really hard to tell what is appropriate even once you get to the workplace. Most of the women in my workplace either wear pants or very long (at least calf length) skirts. I am not sure why that is, but I can imagine that for someone new coming into the workplace, it might be hard to figure out how to be age and work appropriate but still feminine. I think I can be considered fashion forward at my work, but anywhere else I’d be completely run of the mill.

    • Anon

      I am saddened by many of the comments above because they sound like privileged people making very little allowances for others with different life experiences. By virtue of the fact that most people on this site went to graduate school they’ve had opportunities and experiences that would influence their ideas “style” and “appropriateness.”

      • anonawow

        I agree. I have no professional women in my family and had no professional female role models growing up. I was the first person in my family with a college degree, and I felt completely and totally naive (which I was) and overwhelmed at my fancy-pants law school where most people came from Ivy League dynasties. I was always worried my lack of sophistication and general redneckedness was patently obvious to everyone around me. Now I read Corporette so I can figure out all of the obvious fashion rules I never knew.

      • Lyssa

        I’m sorry, but I disagree entirely. I had a career before law school, and I had no female professional relatives to follow as examples. And I was under 25 (the age of the client described here). I still never saw avoiding clothing that was so inappropriate as to be actually distracting (as was described in the OP) to be difficult.

        There’s a huge amount of babying going on here, which I find disappointing. There’s nothing wrong with an adult woman being expected to exercise some amount of judgment on her own (particularly if she’s had warnings to the effect, which I would assume would be the case as the OP said that she was about to be fired- that indicates that someone’s told her that there’s a problem).

  11. coco

    PSA – HUGE sale at Boden. They were out of sizes on one of the dresses that I wanted, but I got the other for $55.

    • Hmmm...

      I audibly squealed when I got the e-mail announcing the sale this morning! I’ve been waiting for several of the fall items that feel like they’ve been out forever to go on sale!

    • 7

      SHHHHH, Dont go telling people about the awesome sale, I have to narrow down my shopping cart that right now is over $800 and dont want people to take my finds. Jeeze! :)

    • Lawgirl

      Cute dress for $55! I think I’m “dressed” out, though, after shopping so many great sales. I haven’t paid more than $100 for a dress in ages!

      Aside: I’ve found BodenUSA’s order fulfillment severely lacking. I ordered some shoes this summer, waited weeks and never got shipping confirmation or squat about my order. I emailed them to ask what’s going on, and they said: “Oops, we ran out of inventory and couldn’t fulfill your order. Unfortunately, we don’t send emails to customers to let them know that. Smooches, xxox BodenUSA” EPIC E-COMMERCE FAIL! – From Lawgirl, the BBB of Corporette. LOL).

      • surrounded by lawyers

        Interesting–in everything I have seen from Boden, they BRAG about how wonderful their customer service is! This is very telling. Thanks for the real scoop. (Given that they didn’t seem to apologize or say this was a hiccup of some kind, it sounds like this kind of slackness is their MO.)

      • AD

        I haven’t had this happen, but it does bug me that you also don’t get emails letting you know that returns have been received (and/or that your credit card has been credited). Also, if you have special promotions of any kind they don’t show up on the order confirmation – I had a $10 off code that I received from them as an apology for something but had to call to confirm that it was actually applied to my order.

        I was willing to cut them some slack for a while since I figured that maybe these types of things weren’t so common in Britain, but if they can convert their sizing to US sizing they should be able to convert their customer systems to something more US-friendly.

        All said though, I do think that the quality of the clothing is very high and in fact I’m wearing the Rosette Ribbon cardigan today. Each of the rosettes is hand-attached, according to the description, and the buttons are also cloth covered.

        • jcb

          I have that exact cardigan and get compliments every single time I wear it. Love it.

      • anon

        Wow, I have ordered a ton of stuff from Boden and have never had these types of problems. I always get an email saying that my return has been processed, although it does sometimes take several weeks.

    • Anonymous

      Damn, there is some cute stuff in that sale. Maybe my nieces and nephews don’t need Christmas presents after all!! (just kidding)

      Lawgirl – thanks for the review on the service. How weird that they would just be like “we’re not sending it to you, and we’re not going to let you know about it either.” I’ll definitely keep that in mind when I order.

      • Lawgirl

        Hey Ladies, in all fairness, BodenUSA did mention that “our systems don’t have functionality to notify customers when we can’t fulfill their orders…. YET.” Totally unimpressive,IMHO, for a purveyor of “high-end British clothes.” Heck, Mom & Pop eBay sellers can do better than that. I hope Boden has updated their systems for the holidays. I’d ping back in a few days to check on fulfillment, if I were you, particularly on items with a “low stock” icon that you want for Christmas.

      • 7

        Just as an aside, I’ve ordered a ton from BODEN USA and have found their customer service top notch, probably the best I’ve ever dealt with. They sent me a letter informing me my dress (which ws on backorder when I ordered it) was not up to par as the quality they recieved had flaws and immediately refunded my money and apologized. I liked that. And shipping is great, often free return times.

    • Boden Chelsea dress

      For those who missed my review, be warned that the Chelsea dress has an empire waist – it made me look pregnant, and I’m quite slim.

  12. chix pix

    My new client has been warned repeatedly re dress code. I think she has become bothe confused and angry. She is a high school grad who holds a low level but good-paying job with the state. Her mother works in the same agency and is about 20 years older. Mother dresses very casually, so I think the daughter followed suit – no pun intended. Would love to take the daughter shopping and show her what to buy, but that’s not my role.

    • ADS

      If the daughter dresses like the mother, and they work in the same department, why is only one of them about to be fired?

      • Another Sarah

        Maybe Mom and Daughter dress differently to management, and Mom has managed to stay under the radar enough to earn seniority such that she doesn’t get fired for dress code infractions…meh? But this situation hearkens back to the discussion up there, where if you’re not surrounded by people who usually (know how to) dress appropriately, then you really don’t know what’s what. Although if she’s been warned repeatedly, well…

      • gov anon

        Well, I can only speak to my experience. but working in the same agency doesn’t mean you’re working in the same department. Where I work, while there is one vague dress code for the whole agency, the reality is what is acceptable varies from section to section, floor to floor based on how likely contact with the “public” is. Mother may be dressing just fine for what she’s doing. But if daughter has more contact with the public or with management or whatever, dressing like mom just might not be appropriate.

    • CFM

      See that’s the thing, if you’ve been warned repeatedly about anything (too long lunch breaks, coming in late, whatever) that changes it from oh an initial mistake because you are not familiar with the office/new to the work force to a problem with the employee’s work ethic. What is your role, is it helping her with work in anyway? Shopping would be out but maybe you could go over ground rules with her and show her some pictures if it is not too late to save the job?

    • MJ

      Most public agencies, you have to TRY to do something to get fired. There is something else going on here beyond the wardrobe. I second the comment above regarding lack of judgement/emotional intelligence.

  13. stc

    My sense is because daughter’s version of casual is too tight, low-cut et cetera.

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