Tuesday’s TPS Report: Montana Jacket

91 Comments

1. I don’t really like a navy pinstripe blazer as a separate. To me it looks like the bottom half of the suit is missing– I wouldn’t even do it with a gray skirt. I think it could look all right with a more casual bottom, like a khaki skirt or jeans, though.

2. It is pulling funny on the mannequin – I would have to see it in person. I agree that if it looks too much like a suit it would be hard to wear as a separate.

3. Can’t see this as a “separate” — and I just think navy w/ black looks like you lost the bottom half of the suit, and are trying – and failing – to make it work.

   Not sure I would do the navy pinstripe w/ a casual bottom either – it’s such a clearly formal-I’m-a-product-of-a-board-room piece that it would be odd with jeans

   1. I agree – I know everyone says that you can wear navy and black together, but it just looks like you forgot to put on the right blazer in the morning.

      1. agreed

         1. Me too!

            1. Also, don’t like black with brown. For some reason I think it looks so off.

      2. I think it depends on the navy and the fabric.
         Lighter navy + black, esp. in a different fabric (e.g., textured [boucle?] or linen or heavier wool) = very cute
         But reg. wool navy pinstripe like this + black pants in a similar weight wool does def. look like you are trying to make 2 different suits work as separates, and it’s not too successful.

      3. In this case, I agree. In the photo, even the mannequin looks like a hot wrinkled mess. Looks like it was raining, she couldn’t be bothered to put a suit together properly, and it’s a bad case of the Mondays.

4. Not a fan. It seems shapeless and, even with the sale, I don’t want to pay $250 for a polyester blazer. Three-button jackets don’t really work on me, either.

   I don’t mind pairing navy accessories with a black outfit, but a navy jacket like this paired with black pants looks odd to me.

   1. Interesting. May I ask what it is about 3-button jackets that doesn’t work for you? I have a big chest and a short waist and find that 3-buttons are all that I can do (1-buttons are awful on me) — I’m just wondering what doesn’t translate, both for my own curiosity and for any future purchases I may make for my long-waisted, skinnier friends.

      1. I have the same body type as you and am also petite. Three-button jackets tend to be either too-tight across the bust when buttoned or too large elsewhere. I think long-waisted, slim people look much better in three-button jackets than I do. I guess it’s just a personal fit preference.

         1. Well, I guess I’m not short-waisted, but I am short overall, so, while my waist isn’t short in comparison to the rest of my body, it is short in comparison to the average person’s waist.

      2. I’m petite and big-chested, and I prefer three-button suits.

5. Silly fashion problem of the day: earrings getting snagged on scarf and causing the latter to tear. I can’t think of any solution other than changing either the scarf material or my earrings, but I’ve found in the past that readers here often can be very resourceful…any ideas?

   1. Which part of the earring is snagging? if it’s the back of a pair of fish hook earrings try putting a rubber back on them (you can do a google search for them – Jo Ann Fabrics has a whole bag of them for 97 cents).

      1. Thanks! But alas, usually it’s the decorative part of the earring, which I don’t think I can cover up. I’m not talking about anything wildly dangling, but e.g. the metal claw-like pieces that hold stones in place.

         1. No suggestions here, just commiseration… The prongs on my engagement ring have snagged and made pulls on just about every pashmina that I have! No fun, especially since I LOVE scarves!!!

6. If it is the back of the standard post-type earring that is snagging you can put a pencil eraser on the post that sticks out. I’ve sliced a piece off a separate “eraser stick” myself. Seems to happen to me more when I’m on the traditional phone too much. Or when I’m wearing the boucle sort of blazers. Other than that, I’ve resorted to removing the earrings – which end up traveling for too many days in my purase afterwards!

7. ‘Oh — and even though the color is called “Spring Navy,” we’re going to walk on the wild side and say you can wear navy year-round. ‘

   The wild side indeed! I feel positively dizzy.

   1. I laughed at this comment.

   2. Haha! I didn’t read Kat’s comment fully till I saw this. Wonder what that makes me, given my colourful choices all year round!

8. Issue: I am wearing a charcoal gray skirt and black tights today. I was going to put on gray pumps, but I recalled a comment here that it’s a faux pas to wear shoes lighter than your tights/hose, so I opted for black flats. Anyone else subscribe to this fashion notion?

   1. That’s the dumbest fashion requirement I’ve ever heard!! Black tights with grey or tan shoes looks fabulous and fashion forward. Whoever told you that probably has no fashion sense.

      1. @8965869: See what I mean? Apparently, it’s not so cut and dry. Differing opinions on it.

         1. No one said it was a requirement below, only that they do it for body image reasons. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of such a requirement and no one else below has either.

            1. And fresh jd didn’t refer to it as a requirement, either! There’s no need to get an attitude about it.

            2. Thank you, Anonymous K. Leave it to certain people to get their hose in a twist over something I didn’t even say.

            3. A faux pas is defined as a tactless act, which to me means a requirement (because most do not consider tactless an option). And I wasn’t giving attitude. Way to read WAY to much into something.

            4. You’re welcome, jd!

               895869, freshjd never said it was a faux pas, she said she recalled someone else saying so. And faux pas doesn’t necessarily equate to tactless act. Heck, just googling it online provides you with several different definitions, which shows that it is a term that means different things to different people.

               And yes 895869, saying something another commenter said is “dumb” and saying that yet another person who commented previously has “no fashion sense” is, in fact, giving attitude.

            5. Faux pas does have a definition, even if you think that google would say otherwise. It’s not a new made up word. You’re dumb. There, get over it Anonymous K.

            6. I said it didn’t have one set definition. Look at five different dictionaries, you will get five different definitions. I never said it was a “new, made-up word.” In fact, it’s not even a word, it’s a phrase!

               And you’re right, you have no attitude, which is why you feel the need to call someone dumb.

               Ugh. I thought Corporette was a place where we could stay away from rude people, but I guess I was wrong!

            7. Oh, and if I’m dumb, you may want to call Mensa and let them know so they can revoke my membership!

            8. A mensa membership far from qualifies you for being bright.

               I’m sure I can google hitler and it’ll tell me he’s God, doesn’t make it correct.

               You really are D U M B.

            9. Eeeew. 8965869 : troll, begone!

            10. You really are dumb, 896569.

                There, I said it on an Internet chat board based on one conversation with you. It must be true!

                Thanks for at least making me laugh!

                (Interestingly, I see you’ve ignored my comment about looking at 10 different dictionaries and getting 10 different definitions. I guess D U M B people just choose one part of a conversation, latch on to it, and continue with ad hominem attacks.)

            11. I gotta agree with 8965869.

                She did refute the definition part by stating that the internet dictionaries you are using do not mean the definition is true.

                Anonymous K, you seem like a bully.

            12. Anonymous K,

                You’re on this comment board at least 20 times, I think you take this too seriously.

            13. 8965869, oops, I mean num, how am I the bully when 8965869’s first comment called someone’s idea “dumb” and then stated that the person has “no fashion sense?” Later, when I was still focusing on the issue, 8965869 chose to make it personal by calling me dumb not once, but twice. I would love it if you could explain to me how that makes me and not her the bully.

                And no, she addressed my comment about Googling, not about looking at actual dictionaries.

            14. Well, popop, at least, unlike you, I am not making up new usernames!

            15. Also, perhaps you should freshen up on your counting skills!

            16. Anonymous K – get a life.

            17. Seriously, anon/popop/895869, we can all see that you are the same person! If not, why would you attack Anonymous K, who clearly was originally in the right here (though I admit that she shouldn’t have let your bullying and general nastiness get to her) and say nothing to 8965869 (you), who has been consistently rude! It’s obviously and, quite frankly, I’m appalled that a grown adult would stoop to this level (assuming that you are, in fact, a grown adult). Seriously, who tells someone to “get a life?” You need to stop and let her be!

            18. There are not 10 dictionaries in English that are trustworthy or that you have. Guaranteed you googled and found some online dictionaries.

                Urbandictionary is not a real dictionary. Give it a rest psycho cat lady. And I did not make up any names, you simply look crazy.

            19. Seriously, 8965869, LEAVE HER ALONE.

                If you think there are not ten English dictionaries in existence, perhaps you need to spend more time at a book store. Additionally, I am sure she was not referring to Urban Dictionary.

                You are the one who looks like a crazy, mean-spirited, horrible person. Seriously, I find myself defending someone I don’t even know (and straying from my usual username because I don’t want you to make me your next target). You seem to have a real problem; you need help.

                Additionally, if you really want to get technical, “faux pas” translates to “false step,” not “tactless act,” so you have been wrong all along.

                You are a horrible, mean-spirited person who seriously needs to examine why she feels the need to be so vicious to someone on a blog.

            20. Also, interesting that you are telling someone who hasn’t commented in nearly three hours to “give it a rest.” Who’s the psycho cat lady now?

            21. Anonymous for this ONE you are seriously the same as Anonymous K, based on the fact that you have responded within minutes, like her, which means you have it suscribed to your email address to respond.

                YOU ARE A FAT LOSER

            22. Nope, I’m not, but nice guess, 8965869. As I stated, I typically use a different name (which I did earlier on this thread). And yes, I did subscribe. But no, I am not Anonymous K.

                And wow, who knew being a size 2 meant you were fat. Eek! I guess I’ll have to work to lose 10 pounds or so so I can be a 0!

                YOU ARE A HORRIBLY MEAN PERSON WHO IS OBVIOUSLY PROJECTING YOUR PERSONALITY FLAWS ON TO OTHERS. Which leads me to believe that you are actually D U M B and a FAT LOSER. (Well, the fact that your reading comprehension is so abysmal also lead me to believe that you are D U M B.) Your logical skills are also pretty sad, considering that you use one fact (that I have responded quickly) and somehow logically equated that I am Anonymous K. Apparently you’re not aware, but more than one person can subscribe to any given thread. And, more than one person can stand up to your outright rudeness quickly. The reason I’m responding so quickly is that I think it’s hilarious how horrible a person you seem to be and how worked up you’re getting! You’re providing me with a ton of entertainment; why wouldn’t I want my entertainment to come at a fast pace?

            23. “YOU ARE A HORRIBLY MEAN PERSON WHO IS OBVIOUSLY PROJECTING YOUR PERSONALITY FLAWS ON TO OTHERS. Which leads me to believe that you are actually D U M B and a FAT LOSER. ”

                Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

                And you are AnonymousK, who apparently comments on every post ever, so be warned, I will troll the hell out of you.

            24. Ha ha ha ha ha ha. 8965869, I cannot tell you how much laughter you’ve brought into my life over the past two days! Seriously, you are the least self-aware person I have ever encountered. The entire point of my posts has been that they are modeled after yours in attempt to show you how juvenile you are being! Apparently that is lost on you. You will notice that I have insulted you after only after you have insulted me and others and that I have purposely used the EXACT SAME INSULTS.

                Just for the record, nope, I’m not dumb. And, as we’ve established, I’m not fat (though it’s bothersome that you use that as an insult, but I don’t expect to have a thoughtful conversation with you on that). And, not a loser.

                Seriously, you are funny! Although, I am a bit worried that you are now threatening to stalk Anonymous K around this site. That level of obsession seems unhealthy. (And also like something a psycho cat lady loser would do, but what do I know.)

                I think the funniest part of this all is your insistence that I am Anonymous K. Please, keep it coming. You are really entertaining me!

            25. Anon for this one, thank you for trying, but you’re right, everything you said is completely lost on 8965869. I’m glad I haven’t commented in a while because dealing with someone who is so obviously a troll would start to get to me!

                8965869, thanks for openly admitting that you plan on following me around this site and letting me know that you plan to “troll the hell out of me.” I thought this would be common sense, but by letting me know your plans, you’re letting me know it would be wise of me to start commenting under another name. Thanks for the heads up! (Also, I agree that this level of obsession is troubling and is indicative of someone with a serious problem.) Although, I guess people who come on to troll in the first place (like you) have some sort of problem to begin with.

                Anon for this one, you should stop. Unless, of course, you are enjoying this as much as you say you are, which is entirely possible. By the way, smart move to change your name for these comments, considering that 8965869 has admitted that she is the type of person who follows someone around a site and “troll[s] the hell out of” her.

            26. I’m sure if I ever stooped at your place it would look like an airport in minneapolis or some random walmart in wherever: like a giant fat museum. You probably crawl around on one of those scooters.

            27. Not sure whom that was directed at, but man, I wish my tiny apartment was as large as a Wal-Mart! I’m not sure how one can crawl on a scooter, though. Since you’re so keen on definitions, perhaps you should look up the definition of “crawl.” Also, I’m interested in knowing what a “fat museum” is. Please explain further! (I’m still a size 2, though, so I don’t think I’d be welcome in a fat museum. Since you seem to know about them, perhaps you would be welcome!)

                Also, still troubling that you think “fat” is a huge insult. It makes me sad for you.

      2. You know, have you guys heard the news lately? Dissing or publicly embarrassing people anonymously on the net is not the best way to help humanity out, to say the least. Please take it elsewhere, or better yet, don’t take it anywhere.

         1. Well, commenting on a blog is not the best way to help humanity out. I’d say that’s not really the goal of people who waste time on the web.

            Also, you totally dissed them…I’m just saying!

   2. Mine is less fashion and more body image related. I match tights to skirt or tights to shoe for a more unbroken line. So grey skirt/grey tights/black shoes or grey skirt/black tights/black shoes.

      1. I’m with you, Kate. I am short and have short legs in comparison to the rest of my body, so I prefer an unbroken line. Like you, I don’t always match if the tights and skirt already match, but if they don’t, I match tights to shoes. Of course, this is not a “requirement” for everyone, but it’s much more flattering on me.

      2. Agree. I do the same thing. And while gray shoes with black tights could very well be fashion forward, it does cut up the leg line.

      3. I don’t see how different colored pumps would “break up” the leg line – it would more likely define the end of the line, unless said pumps are mary janes. Am I being too literal here?

         1. Yes. A different color at the end of your leg will break up the line. I’m short with short legs and just can’t risk it.

   3. Humor for (another) rainy day. Black tights and colored shoes always gives me a quick visual of Minnie Mouse. Not saying don’t do it–she certainly “owns” the look!

   4. I never wear shoes lighter than my tights because I wear a size 10 shoe and have really thin ankles and the image that comes to mind is Minnie Mouse. I feel like shoes and hose in the same color have a more streamlined effect. I’m probably just kidding myself and should just “own” the big foot thing and move on, but I continue to fight the good fight.

   5. I don’t think it’s a faux pas, but rather a leg lengthening issue. The light shoes with dark tights will break up your leg line and some people think this makes you look stumpy.

   6. Huh? Black tights look good on various colours of shoes.

9. Frumptastic

10. might be half of a nice suit but it doesn’t look like a legit separate to me. And I agree it hangs funny in the picture. Not a win.

11. I want to like it, but it’s just not working for me.

    Threadjack…I just wanted to give a review of a beauty product that I’ve been using for about 5 months and have had good results with. After I had my daughter, I started getting acne which resulted in dark spots on my face. I decided to try the Even Better skin tone correcting products from Clinique. While I didn’t see results in the 6 weeks, I did like the moisturizer and foundation so I just kept using them. Well, after 5+ months, I have to say that my skin tone looks very even now. Dark spots are very much diminished and I’ve been able to go back to wearing tinted moisturizer.

    1. I’ve been considering getting the moisturizer — thanks for the info!
       I have used the foundation w/no results but might give the moisturizer a chance.

    2. Having had acne, I’d say that 5 months is about the time it takes for your skin tone to even back out on its own, so I’m not sure this product did anything.

       1. This is entirely dependent on your skin. I had acne scarring for years that only cleared up with dermatological treatments.

       2. My black spots were there for almost 2 years.

12. Threadjack…

    Does anyone have boots from J.Crew? If so, what is the quality like? I haven’t had shoes from J. Crew in a LONG time, but am thinking of ordering these: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/boots/PRDOVR~28672/28672.jsp

    Alternatively, can someone recommend a similar boot? I am looking for something classic, with a 3 in heel or lower, available in brown and/or black. I also have a slightly larger than normal calf; I think for the JCrew boots I am on the edge so if I order those I will probably have to order both and return one.

    1. I have these (or at least last year’s version). I love the look, but they are very small in the calves. If you are not a twig, I would consider the extended calf. I didn’t and I tried to get them stretched with only minimal success. I am not kidding when I tell you it sometimes takes 15-20 minutes to get these on and I think I pulled a muscle doing it last year. They are adorable once on though…

    2. I have these…in extended calf. Glad I did not try to go with regular. I considered long and hard before ordering, due to the price, but so far I am very pleased with them. They are polished enough to wear to work but comfortable enough for my substantial walking distances. I have both black and brown. The leather is super-smooth and soft, and the toe is a flattering shape; not so rounded as to shorten the leg, but not so pointy as to look too trendy. They did not have any painful breaking-in period for me.

       I usually wear them with skirts and dresses, but there is just enough room for me to tuck pants into them for the weekend.

       The one thing that I find less than perfect is that they have a little extra room in the ankle area. I decided I’m ok with a sort of slouchy look there, but if you’re not, beware. I have some other, more basic riding boots, and those are snug all the way through.

    3. I’m in love with these as well! I noticed this morning that Lands End Canvas has a similar pair for $198 (I think) that I was thinking about ordering since the cut of most Lands End stuff is usually on the more generous side and I’ve got a large calf thing going on as well. Plus I have found that for the price Land’s End quality is always excellent (promise I don’t work for them). However, I’ve never tried their shoes.

    4. Thanks for the comments all. I think I am going to go ahead and order them, especially since J. Crew has free shipping on orders of more than $100 until tomorrow.

       KM, I did see the LE Canvas ones, and will try those if the J Crew ones don’t work. For some reason I like the look of the more matte leather on the J. Crew ones.

       In case you are interested, I chatted with a LE rep, and she said that for size 6, the shaft circumference was 15 and 3/16 “, which is slightly smaller than the J. Crew extended calf ones, but bigger than the regular J. Crew ones.

13. Threadjack: I am going to a ‘downtown’ art auction tonight. I have a black wrap dress and, since it’s raining, I’d like to wear boots. Only issue: I only have a pair of brown riding boots! I know I can make this work! How would you accessorize so it doesn’t look too odd?

    1. Can you wear a statement necklace with browns in it or a scarf with some brown and black? I think the trick is to make the brown boots look intentional.

    2. Pictures would help. How formal/casual are the pieces?

       1. anon, I was thinking of wearing a silk scarf with blue and brown on it. I agree, I need to make the boots look intentional.

          Anon, the pieces are pretty casual. It’s a black, basic DVF black dress and high-quality brown riding boots (think: the boots Kat posted the other day). Is that helpful?

          1. Not sure why the brown boots are a problem. But I’d wear gold accessories since they look good on black and brown and maybe carry a tan clutch or something.

             Not a fan of brown near my face, so that would rule out scarves etc.

       2. I agree with anon – wear brown accessories. If you have chunkier jewelry that might complement the riding hardware on your boots, that might also help pull the look together. I would also wear your hair on the casual side. Have fun!

    3. I’m confused. Is there some rule that says that you can’t wear black w/ brown?

    4. One of the keys to pulling this off is that the browns have to be the same shade of brown. I would add a brown belt and brown bag that matches the boots. If a belt isn’t appropriate, a scarf with black and brown would work too. You somehow have to bring brown onto the dress. Are you going to wear tights? I’m not sure which color I would wear.

       1. Thanks, all. I have a great brown scarf that might work! Anon, I will be wearing tights but they’ll be hidden by the dress/boots. For some reason, not so concerned about the tights!

    5. I would wear a scarf or wrap that had browns in it, but not a scarf that was just brown, especially if the brown scarf was the exact same brown as the scarf — that seems too matchy-matchy to me. Also, are you bringing a handbag? What color is it?

       FWIW I wear brown boots with a black dress all the time and don’t even think about it. Personally I love the look.

14. I know it is a pain and might seem a little dramatic, but I’d recommend seeing a derm for blotchiness. Mine just put me on Retin-A to clear up some dark spots that just wouldn’t go away after a really bad breakout this past June (tried a new foundation that did NOT agree). Literally, it has been two weeks now that I’ve been using it (every other day) and you can hardly see where any of it was. I’m guessingt it will be 100 percent by next week. She gave me a $50 coupon for the medicine so investment was just the office visit ($40 copay on my insurance). She said to use the Retin-A for a month or so, and I should be done with it. Best $40 I’ve spent.

15. Threadjack:

    I’m considering buying a Barbour Bedale Jacket (http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/ingoodcompany/barbour/PRDOVR~19628/19628.jsp). does anyone have any experience with the sizing? I’m 5’6, about 120lb, and fairly flat-chested, if that helps. I plan to wear it over a suit jacket occasionally.

    Relatedly, is a Bedale jacket appropriate to wear to work? I have a long wool jacket to wear during the winter, but I need something lighter for the fall and early spring. I’m not quite ready to buy a trench coat, and I think that since this is a fairly classic (although rustic) style, it would be appropriate enough for an office on the formal side of business casual (i.e. i usually wear a pencil skirt, heels, and a nice cardigan to work — a full suit usually only when i’ll be working in the C-suite, usually only once a week or so). I feel like I see a lot of ibankers wearing them this season, too. (I’m a corporate strategist in the northeast)

    1. Yes work appropriate. Or for hunting fowl in the moors. Whichevs.

16. Hey.

    That is some good work!

    Makes me wonder what TPS stands for?

17. Hmmmmmmmm.

    Testing testing.

    What happened here?

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