ByKat Hours Updated
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Tuesday’s TPS Report: Jagger Linen-Blend Jacket

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Jagger linen-blend jacketThis strikes me as a cute and interesting take on the summer jacket. I like the curved hem and the chevron stripes, the slightly off-kilter buttons, and the black satin lining. While I admire the beachy styling here, for the office I'd probably stick with classic shapes in navy or beige — a sheath dress, a pencil skirt, trousers. You could keep a beachy vibe by pairing it with brown accessories and slightly hippie-ish jewelry (I'm thinking a shell necklace, for some reason), but I'd probably take it the other direction and add black accessories with bold pops of color: red, bright purple or yellow, maybe even orange or hot pink. It's a decent sale: was $395, now $197.50 at The Outnet (limited sizes only, alas). Jagger linen-blend jacket 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 12.5

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

73 Comments

  1. PSA: the outnet requires you have a live person to sign for their deliveries. Better to have things you order delivered to your work address if it’s allowed.

      2. Honestly, there is no other website where the people expect ever ad to be safe for work. Just shrink your window so you see content without ad, its the easiest fix ever. literally just make the window smaller and the whole right side of the page goes away.

      3. Yeah, a bikini pic advertising for a bikini store if youre a woman is completely fine. Get over it geese! The only reason this wouldn’t be fine is if you were a boy using it for masterbation. Otherwise its a bathingsuit catalog, not a sex shop ad.

        Seriously, many of you need to lighten up.

      4. Yeah, I feel like even the NY Times will have Victoria Secret ads. I think it’d be hard to be on any site without something potentially objectionable popping up.

      5. How is this different than say, sitting in the lunchroom and flipping through the newspaper (which is totally commonplace at my place of work), and OMG, there’s an underwear ad? If this is really NSF your work, I feel kind of sorry for you.

        1. No need to feel sorry for me. And yes, I would feel incredibly awkward if one of the partners I work for came in to my office and saw scantily bra-clad women on my screen. To me, NSFW= anything I wouldn’t feel comfortable having a conversation with a coworker about.

      6. LOL, having Corporette on my work computer screen is NSFW! I wouldn’t be on here if anyone could see my screen. Okay, back to work.

      7. Ads? What are those?

        The solution to that is to use Mozilla Firefox with Adblock. Your IT department will thank you.

  2. A quick plug for Brooks Brothers plus size suiting line. I have tried a few things and plugged them already. Just got the cotton stretch suiting in peyote, and it’s fabulous. Lined pants (so hard to find lately, but necessary for me with light colors), flattering seamed jacket. Fits perfectly right off the hanger! I’m so happy with the quality and fit of their plus size line–don’t work for them, just a fan.

    Question: How early can I start wearing light tan suiting in the midwest? May? Do I need to wait for June?

    1. I think you can do it as soon as it feels warm enough. I’m in the South, and people were already starting to pull that stuff out (until a cold snap hit us late last week/over the weekend).

      1. I also have a stretch wool suit and a tweed suit that is no longer available–but the wool is still available and is fabulous as well.

      1. I haven’t seen it in stores near me, unfortunately. Whether it’s available in larger markets, I don’t know.

  3. I like this jacket, it looks really cool (sorry, channeling my inner junior high school kid). Seems like it would go really nicely with a red dress, maybe even the one from yesterday, and would probably work to “tone down” any brightly colored shell or dress. I like the defined shoulders and chevron stripes.

  4. Love, just need to find something similar but cheaper…

    Also a PSA: If anyone needs a new suit for spring, Ann Taylor has 30% full-priced jacket and matching bottom. And 30% off full-price jewelry.

  5. Oooh, I like it! The linen plus the stripes is kind of reminding me of seersucker (though the stripes on this are definitely too wide to actually be seersucker). And now I’m being reminded that I’ve been wanting to get one or two seersucker pieces for a while…

    Anyone know where I can find a good seersucker blazer and/or skirt?

    2. Brooks Brothers usually has a jacket/skirt/pants in seersucker every season. They have a 25%/15% promo coming up soon. They usually also carry a version in their factory stores closer to summer.

      1. I have the blue seersucker jacket! It’s awesome and I plan on wearing it witha white silk charmeuse shirt, blue/cream/navy mix silk scarf and a light tan skirt – probably with cognac coloured pumps and bag. Very excited to wear that outfit :)

        I love BB seersucker – but it’s probably a good idea to wait for a sale; I got mine for around $80.

  8. OT: 2 really cute, work appropriate dresses from Anne Klein for great prices in my Shopittome alert today. I’m not really in a position to buy anything unnecessary right now, but I hope they appeal to someone out there.

    http://www.anneklein.com/Bi-Stretch-Dress/90464347,default,pd.html?cgid=90330696&itemNum=26&variantSizeClass=&variantColor=JJ933XX&ep_tag=AF200905

    http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=529273&CategoryID=4356&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-SITM-_-n-_-n&LinkshareID=BolFSqx4S4U-l5xF1UVIX56saDOtvCqlBA

  9. I am in the market for a versatile spring/summer blazer in a neutral color. My favorite wooly wintery one in mid-grey just won’t cut it once it warms up (it will warm up, right??). Does anyone have any good leads? Bonus if under $150.

  10. I am traveling for a wedding next weekend and the weather is going to be warm-ish (70’s). I am coming from the Northeast where its freezing, so I’m planning on bringing lots of skirts and sandals, but I know I’ll be cold at night. I am trying to come up with a versatile jacket/sweater option that I can wear over a number of different outfits, ranging from dressy to rehearsal dinner to more casual BBQ-type events. Any ideas?

    1. As a follow-up, my style tends to be classic with a bit of trendy flair. I can usually envision the perfect item to go with outfits, but I’m drawing a blank. I’m thinking something a little more structured in a neutral-ish color that will go with a lot.

      1. Would you consider a cape? I never thought I’d like one, but I saw one on deep discount and was intrigued enough to try it on. Sold! It covers maybe half of my arms and has a tie belt, so it’s a warmish-weather jacket with some shape. Mine is black and I feel it can go casual, work, or festive. (I’d recommend the specific one, but it was a while ago AND on clearance, so I’m sure it’s gone. But it’s DKNY.)

        1. Ha ha. I have a great, dark grey cape, too. I got it at the BCBG outlet. I just realized that I have a major shopping problem and have *plenty* in my closet.

      2. I just remembered that I have a great lightweight, brown leather jacket that will work.

    2. It’s not structured, but for travel and for transitional weather AND for a range of levels of formality, I think you can’t go wrong with a cashmere wrap in a neutral (or bold) color. I got one for Christmas and I’ve been wearing the hell out of it ever since. I’ve worn it running errands on the weekend with jeans, over a suit to work, and out to fancy events in the evening.

    3. A leather jacket sounds good. A jean jacket (or a nicer jean-style jacket) would work. I have a belted blue canvas jacket that I got from Target a few years ago. It’s casual, but still classy.

      If it’s really warm, a linen jacket would work, too. I always take those with me when I go on vacations to warmer climates.

    4. I was at a conference in SF last week, and one of the speakers wore a flat knit sweater cardigan. It did not close fully in the front, and it had no closures (buttons, toggles, zipper — nothing). Instead, it had a knit (same material as the rest of the sweater) ruffle about 4 inches wide that went around the entire edge — from around the back of the neck, down the right side, around the bottom of the sweater toward the back, back up the left side and to the back of the neck again).

      Hers was a dark wheat color, and she wore it with a knee length black skirt, white round neck Tshirt, knee-high black boots and black tights. I thought it looked great.

      I have no idea where she got it. Maybe Kat can find out. Actually, if Kat wants to call her, I can tell you (Kat) offline who it was.

  11. Just came across these newly marked down Via Spiga’s at Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/via-spiga-grover-pump/3101040 . 2.5″, pointed toe, was $175 and now $120, ships free. I ordered the “nude” color, which may be skintone for my rather pale self, though I’m drawn to the dark leopard print. The Zappos and Nordstrom reviews seem pretty good.

    1. I have shoes very similar to this from via spiga. I got them for a special occasion but now wear them all the time to work. Super comfortable!!

  12. Threadjack: Would love some advice here, especially from any Corporettes familiar with the wonderful world of government contracting.

    Background: I have worked for the same smaller government contracting company for a couple years now. Until about a month ago, I was had a miserable, tedious job that was driving me crazy. Company leadership knew I was unsatisfied and was working for several months to find another position for me. I promised myself that I was going to leave the company in March if I hadn’t gotten out of there, but Company pulled a lot of strings and called in a lot of favors, and I started on a new contract in a different office in February. It’s better, but I still don’t love it; I’ve come to the realization just don’t like working in this field in general.

    I have a great contact within a major international corporation (plenty of room to grow) in a different field, and am nearly guaranteed a job there. I’m excited about the company’s mission, the commute would be a MAJOR improvement, and the salary would be comparable.

    As an added wrinkle, DH is waiting on career news that could necessitate a move to a yet-to-be-determined location in late summer of this year. Major corporation has many locations, but there’s no guarantee we would end up near one or that I would be able to transfer.

    So my question is—is it prudent, career-wise, to pursue this other opportunity now? I know there’s not as much of an expectation in contracting for people to stick around forever, but is it too soon to leave after corporate worked hard to find something that was a better fit for me? If so, how long is long enough that I don’t have to worry about burning bridges behind me with my current employer? Regarding the new opportunity, is it poor form to take a position knowing that I may have to leave within 6 months? Should I just stick it out until DH’s career news drops in a couple months for the sake of not (potentially) having two quick stints within a year? – how does that kind of job turnover look to hiring managers? TIA!

    1. I would advise you to wait if you’re not terribly unhappy. Three or more moves in one year would be a red flag to a lot of hiring managers. As long as your DH will find out in 2-6 months then I suggest waiting.

  13. Threadjack — Need help from the DC Corporettes!

    I am in DC for a conference this week. Our power went out the night before I left, so I did not realize that the black pumps I packed had been attacked by our puppy (bad dog!). I will have half an hour or so today after a meeting at 20th & K NW. Where can I go for a quick, efficient, successful trip for classic, comfy black heels/wedges?

    As an aside, I can tell I have been in Silicon Valley for 10 years! It shocks me how many skirt suits I see here. They are an endangered species in SV.

    TIA!

    1. There’s a Filene’s Basement right by the Farragut North metro, but it might be hit or miss (i.e. miss). By Dupont there’s more than one comfort shoe store which would probably have what you need, though at a price.

      Welcome to skirt suit land! :)

    2. I’ve just been to that Filene’s and the shoe section was pretty decent – I think you’ll be successful there (the shoe section is on the floor above street level, behind the men’s clothing). There’s also an Ann Taylor across the street.

    3. Near Farragut North metro there is an Ann Taylor, very close to the Filene’s Basement. You will probably be able to find basic black pumps there. It’s right next to a Gap.

      1. You can also hop on the Georgetown circulator bus, which runs down K street to Georgetown (look for the silver and red sign, and it costs $1). Shoe stores a-plenty once you hit M street.

  14. Off topic question but I was wondering what people think about exit interviews? I declined to participate in one verbally and have since received a hardcopy in the mail..Could there be ramifications professionally for not completing it?

    1. If they didn’t listen to you before, they certainly won’t start now. Just move on.

    2. What’s a “hard copy” of an exit interview? Like a survey of what they could do better?

      Only you know whether this is the kind of company that would actually be interested in your feedback. If not, I’m not sure of any reason that it would be required.

      1. I have no interest in giving them feedback which is why I declined the original exit interview. I smiled and said everything was lovely and moved on. Now months later they are asking me again to fill out a survey or conduct one up by phone. I have read online that not completing them can make you “ineligible for rehire” which I had never thought about, and would not want said to any one contacting them for a reference.
        I just don’t want to be involved in this because the organization has been hemmoraging staff for the last year (like 50% turnover) and I can’t help but think they are up to something in pushing for me to complete this…

        1. Maybe check with a lawyer in your area if you’re worried… but I’m guessing the only thing you’re risking is a good recommendation from them. “Ineligible for rehire” sounds like the kind of corporate-speak they’d give you for a bad reference. (I know some companies don’t give references – just “eligible for rehire” or “ineligible for rehire.”) If you’re not worried about the reference, screw ’em.

  15. I’ve decided I need to use my hour on the train every morning to learn a new language–does anyone have suggestions for good i-pod/i-pod touch apps to learn either Spanish or Arabic? (I’m open to other language suggestions, but I thought spanish would be the most useful, and I took Arabic in college, so I already have some base)

    1. I think a friend of mine mentioned a Rosetta Stone trial app. for Spanish that he was really impressed with, and you could always upgrade if you like it & want to stick with it. The upgrade is pricey, but it’s supposed to be an excellent way to learn.

      For spanish, btw, you have to decide if you want to learn Latin America Spanish or Spain Spanish. The programs can be quite different.

      1. Not a language suggestion, but a tool: I am currently using anki (just google it) – it’s a flipcard iphone app which costs about 20$ . The normal desktop version is free, though. I moved to a foreign country (with a language that I had no basis in whatsoever) three months ago and put all the new vocabulary in – and I am using it all the time. When waiting for a bus or an appointment, while watching TV, when sitting in the sun in the park. It is addictive! I am actually enjoying learning vocabulary. Definitely worth the try, especially if you try the free desktop version first.

        1. Groupon has a language learning deal with Live Mocha right now. Cheaper than Rosetta Stone.

  16. I have to ask for a raise/review this week. And I am dreading it. I wish these things were automatically done here.

    Any thoughts on how to ask in the least painful way???

    TIA!

    2. Oh I am in this boat. I just need to suck it up, but I keep putting it off… Good luck!! (and please let me know how you end up asking).

      1. Didn’t get to it today but am thinking I will just go in tomorrow with the past years billables on cases I handled and ask for a review. Just when I got the courage to do it today, the managing partner left for the day :/

        1. I once had to ask for a promotion, and kept chickening out whenever my boss walked by my desk, so I ended up emailing him and asking for a second of his time. Had it done by the end of the day!

          1. Thank you everyone. Annie, I just went in there and handed over my billables for the last year (since my last raise) and asked for a review/salary evaluation since it had been a year since the last one. Was easy once I actually got myself to walk over and do it!

    3. Think of concrete reasons why you deserve the raise. Things that have changed or things you’ve accomplished since your original salary was set. Be calm and confident when you do it. Good luck!

  19. I am starting a Working Mothers associate group at my company and I was hoping some of you ladies might have experience in this arena at your own workplaces.
    For those of you who have been a part of such a group can you
    a) help us think of a cool, yet professional name?
    b) give us any ideas of things that worked extremely well or flopped in your group?

    Any advice would be welcomed! Thanks!

    1. You probably have already thought of it but if you are going to make it a work sponsored group it should also be inclusive of men and a working “parents” group. Even if men don’t join, it should be open to everyone if this is taking place within the workplace.

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