ByKat Hours Updated
Comments 94 Comments

Tuesday’s TPS Report: Pleated Ponte Knit Sheath Dress

· ·
Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Maggy London Pleated Ponte Knit Sheath DressToday I'm liking this simple purple dress from Nordstrom — I like the V-neck and pleated details, the loose elbow-length sleeves, and the pleated panels on the side, which look like they would hide a multitude of sins. Note the reviewers, though — apparently the dress runs small. Available in regulars and petites at Nordstrom for $118. Maggy London Pleated Ponte 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 12.5

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

94 Comments

  2. I think this is really pretty! Even though I am petite I think I would get it in regular though because of how short it seems. I have another MAggie London ponte knit dress purchased at the Nordstrom’s anniversary sale this summer and it seems very well made; the fabric is quite nice. This is definitely my color too!

    However, I’m starting to be much more self-conscious about things that are at all body conscious or tailored. I have a pretty exaggerated hourglass figure and I’m starting to feel that it’s too easy for tailored things to look, as another poster has put it, “Jessica Rabbit” on me. . . But I don’t want to go around in a shapeless sack, either!

    I guess it’s a blessing in disguise that I don’t really have to worry about this dress since I don’t have money to byu it either way. Thank god for small favors, right? :-)

    1. This is a concern for me as well. I am not sure how to dress. I have a figure that looks best in tailored clothes (big bust, small waist), but I certainly don’t want to look sexy at work (or trampy otherwise). I tend to avoid dresses and skirts that accentuate this shape. Obviously, I know not to wear things too tight, but even in the correct size, it seems too “va-va-va-voom”

    2. I second the positive remark about Maggie London ponte knit dresses! I bought one at the anniversary sale and LOVE it. It seems way more expensive than it was (particularly because I got it on sale).

      I also really like this sleeve length, although the style of the dress is not exactly for me, I don’t think. But it is unique, which I appreciate.

    1. My sentiments exactly. And I do not like half sleeves like this — make up your mind, sleevemakers.

      1. I find that sleeves of the length makes my arms look like ham hocks. I’m not skinny by any means, but I wouldn’t say I have particularly chubby arms, either, so I blame the sleeves.

      2. Agree! I either like my winter-weight dresses sleeveless (for ease of putting a turtleneck under or cardigan/jacket over) or with full-length sleeves (because otherwise my lower arms are cold, but a long-sleeved layer gets bunchy-looking and makes the rest of my arms are too hot).

  4. Lovely dress! I like the shape, color and price point. Although it is a tad short, I think some black opaque tights would make it office-appropriate.

    1. Ditto! These sleeves are great. I wonder what kind of sleeves people want that aren’t full length? So many people complain about the cap sleeves, slightly longer than cap sleeves, bracelet sleeves, and now these …

      1. I like cap, reg. short, full length & 3/4. These are literally the only ones that I do not like. This dress on this model looks the best that I have ever seen this sleeve look, granted, but it still never quite looks right, imo. Particularly b/c it’s literally a matter of centimeters that takes it from just above to just below to right at elbow, and the whole thing just looks like either your reg. short sleeve is too long or your 3/4 inch sleeve is too short. Whatever rocks one’s boat, but I think I have relatively normal, nice arms & these sleeves make me look just weird & not good. If it works for you, more power to you, though. I wish I could say the same.

    2. I’m a fan of the elbow-length sleeve length, too. Whenever I’m wearing long sleeves, I have the urge to push them up to my elbows– even with suit jackets! The only downside to this kind of sleeve is the tendency for it to get bunched up under cardigans.

      1. I do the same thing! Even though I like long/bracelet/3/4 sleeves, unless I’m actually cold at that precise moment I have a tendency to push the sleeves up around my elbows.

    3. I agree. Love this dress. Love the color. Love the sleeve length. And I don’t think it would be too short on me for office wear since I’m usually a petite.

    4. I love the sleeve length too. I wouldn’t have to keep pushing them up all day to type comfortably

    5. I love this sleeve length as well, although it would be nice to see some full length sleeve dresses once in a while. Alas, they are few and far between.

  6. Threadjack: Has anyone had any luck with tooth whitening products. Mine have always been off-colored (which is annoying, as I pretty rarely drink coffee or soda, and don’t smoke), and I’ve used “whitening” toothpaste for years with no appreciable results. I don’t want to fuss with a dentist, but I don’t want to throw my money away on OTC stuff that doesn’t do anything, either.

    What’s worked (or not worked) for you? How much did you spend? If it worked, how long did it last?

    TIA!

    1. I used the Crest whitening strips leading up to my wedding and I think they work very well, and are pretty inexpensive. Can’t remember how much, maybe about $30 or so. I used them at least once a day, sometimes twice a day. My teeth were never that off colored to begin with though, but I did notice that they were a lot whiter after I used them. They do leave their teeth feeling a little tingly though. Good luck.

    2. I’ve had good luck with crest white strips – but no matter what you do, be prepared to have your teeth be sensitive for a bit.

    3. I tried the whitening strips (also right before my wedding) and hated them. Having gooey stuff in my mouth that made my already sensitive teeth even more sensitive was not fun. Also, the results were very temporary. If you’re serious about it, then why not just schedule a consultation with a dentist and see what it involves and what it will cost you?

      1. You may have a type of discoloring that doesn’t respond well to OTC products. My dentist told me that since my teeth have more of a grayish discoloration rather than yellowish, some products won’t work. This was a couple of years ago, when she earned my undying loyalty by NOT trying to sell me a bleaching packagae that wouldn’t work on my teeth. Of course, there are probably new products out there now, so yes, seconding the recommendation to discuss with your dentist.

    4. I drink a lot of coffee, and my teeth are naturally yellow-ish to start, but Crest Whitestrips really work for me. I use them every other day because my teeth are pretty sensitive.. The results last for about a year and then I start a new box

    5. Go with the Crest white strips. I have professional molds from my dentist and I truly don’t see that big of a difference between using them and the white strips.

      I’d also caution anyone considering Zoom whitening from their dentist to think twice. I did this before my wedding. I’ve never had an issue with tooth sensitivity. The treatment itself was painless. However, a few hours after the pain was so intense it literally brought me to my knees. Like little jolts of lightening, where even opening your mouth and having air on your teeth hurt. I will NEVER do that again. I seriously thought I was going to have to go to the emergency department for help. To be fair, a couple of friends tried it before me. One had good results with no pain. The other had no results and no pain. Not worth the risk though. Believe me.

      1. I did Zoom at the dentist and while I didn’t experience that pain issue, I DID develop a large blister on my upper lip a few hours after the treatment, it was mostly on the underside and not too unsightly but it was painful. Faded in a day or so if I remember right. I think the laser wasn’t aimed properly. Results were fine, I had asked for slight whitening as I didn’t want that bright flourescent look, and got what I asked for.

    6. Crest White Strips worked well for me, but they made my teeth a bit sensitive (it got better after a week or two).

    7. Crest makes White Strips for sensitive teeth. You have to use them longer to see results but they don’t make my teeth hurt.

    8. I read somewhere that whitening toothpaste is not actually on your teeth long enough to do anything. It’s all marketing.

    9. I’ve had good luck with basic hydrogen peroxide – floss well, brush well, hold a swishing mouthful for a minute or two, spit and rinse well. Every other night, don’t eat drink right after, and inexpensive too.

    10. I’ll have to try the white strips again. The ones I had before my wedding tasted AWFUL, and I hated using them so much I kind of gave up. I have taken to wearing lip color for contrast instead. The visual result is about as effective.

  7. I LOVE this dress, but it is not for me because my bodice will show through the midriff section, making me look VERY FAT.

    I do not like to show off my extra 5 lbs, and hope that I will be able to stay away from the sweets this weekend, though Alan is getting me GODIVA as usual. I really think he LIKES me to be fat so that all the men will stop staring at me.

    Right now, the manageing partner just came in and was doing nothing but staring at me. Why, I do not know, b/c he is married and is BALD.

    I hope that Alan will get me a ring so that I can be through with this work stuff. I want to move to Long Island and get a HOUSE.

    1. I hope this post is meant to be a joke. I don’t even know where to begin with responding to this. I hope Alan knows that you are planning to quit working as soon as you get engaged.

      2. SuzyQ – I think we’ve pretty much established that this poster is really a man.

        1. lawyerette – thanks – I didn’t see that discussion until I just now read through yesterday’s discussion (I was at a cle yesterday). i will ignore Ellen and Alan since it’s not worth my time.

        2. a man that misunderstands the meaning of the word “bodice” (hint: it isn’t a body part)

    2. hey Kat, is there any way to block individual posters for a reader? This stuff is annoying.

          1. This. But I also kind of stand by my “Ellen = test of an AI program” theory.

            Louise, who is often a kind voice of reason, briefly made me feel bad for our teasing and accusations of trolling, but this latest post doesn’t really call for generous reading.

          2. I think it’s the same Ellen who got kicked off as a commenter on the ABA news site.

          4. A – given K’s innocuous comment, that seems a little over-the-top rude. A = Alan getting defensive about his trolling?

          5. It could be Alan. Or it could be that a small minority of people here seem to like to “pick people” to harp on and refuse to leave them alone. I guess they are trying to make it as miserable as possible for the people they choose to exile so those people never come back?

          6. Oh, and I agree with Ses. I think it’s some sort of computer. Although, the vaguely sexual undertones in all of his/her posts do make me question that theory sometimes.

        3. Me too! Ellen makes me giggle. The misapplied and misunderstood stereotypes are a very special type of trolling.

        4. I really don’t mind. Just seems like someone is wasting his or her time for a completely mysterious reason, but to each his/her own.

          For a while I was sympathetic to the “oh, why are we being so mean to her? maybe English isn’t her first language?” type posts, but (among many good arguments), the one that really gets me is that Ellen is a frequent reader of comments here but never responds to any of these discussions, which any genuine poster would almost certainly do.

      2. No blocking. He’s not offensive and I find him quite amusing. If we start blocking one poster that annoys one or two people, where do we draw the line? Personally, I find many posts on this blog so whiney and don’t talk down to me, that I just read through and think “blech.” But many of you enjoy these posts and have heated discussions about the rudeness of those of us that wear perfume, or think a 4″ heel is fine at the office. Where will you draw the line? One mans annoyance is another’s amusement.

        1. I agree with no blocking for all the reasons those above listed. However, if Kat does want to start blocking people, can she please start with the bullies (who outright insult people or call them names) and the self-appointed police (who pile on to tell others what is and is not an appropriate way to express themselves, and/or what is or is not an appropriate topic for the forum).

          If Ellen/Alan is a troll, by responding at all we are only giving him/her what they want. If it is an AI experiment (which does seem possible) we are just giving assistance in developing it to who-knows-what scientist. And, if they are a real person who simply has an odd way of expressing themself, and has some viewpoints that are offputting to some, then there is some needless unkindness going on.

          1. I tend to agree with Anonymous (1:38), but, on similar notes to JAS’s statement about insults, I’d love for there to be some way to police anonymous posters- there are some good reasons for them (when we ask about sensitive subjects), but some people just use them to hide behind while they insult.

            Not sure that I have a solution, there, I guess.

        2. I agree with this and the pet troll sentiment. I almost look forward to dear Elan’s posts!

          1. This.

            Oh please, pretty please, can we keep him? I’ve always wanted a little pet troll, and this is just in time for the holidays! I promise not to bait him- and can we please collectively agree to call him Elan from now on?

            Hysterical.

    1. I agree about the neckline. And more broadly, is this dress really appropriate for work? I work in a fairly “business casual” environment, and I wouldn’t wear this to work. It seems too form-fitting, short and low cut. Maybe I’m just overly conservative …

      1. IMO as seen on the model the dress is appropriate for a business casual office. You don’t see any cleavage and the length looks fine to me (though this assumes it doesn’t ride up considerably when sitting). If it hit at the knee, it would definitely be appropriate. It doesn’t seem that form fitting on the model.

    1. I’d never heard of this thread before, but I may have to start watching because I <3 Chris Noth. Also, great clothes.

        1. Its a really good show. my husband actually started taping it because he knew that once I finally had time to watch it, I would like it.

        2. It is a really good SHOW. (See what I did there?) But seriously, you should watch it!

      2. It is an awesome show. My husband and I are working our way through Season 1 on itunes, and are very excited for season 2. I will say I’m a non laywer (medical) and so I cannot attest to the legal issues on the show (I’m assuming it’s all sort of made up and pretend, and could make someone who actually knows about those issues slightly crazy).

        It’s well written, the characters are complex, and the clothes are awesome. We talk about it every episode. It’s the only show I’ve ever seen where the lawyers dress like lawyers. Everyone’s got high necklines and skirts are conservative. You could watch it for the costumes alone. It would all be corporette-approved.

      3. I LOVE this show. Although apparently it is nothing like real law life (which I could guess a little bit) according to one guy from my Inn of Court.

    2. Awesome slide show. JM looks great in anything tho – were that I was so lucky. Tks for the share.

    3. This is freaking awesome. I love that the slideshow includes sourcing info. Will get some good ideas here. I LOVE the show and not just for the clothes!

  11. I would buy this dress in a large size, shorten it a bit, and wear it over a black or gray turtleneck and matching leggings, with a long chunky necklace. That way it would look good in my office and for lots of other occasions.

    1. Won’t that end up shapeless at your bust, waist, and hips? I just cannot see the turtleneck under dress look working with anything with sleeves this long.

  12. Threadjack:
    I work for a federal agency and was wondering if anyone has experience with the Executive Leader Programs? They are geared for GS11-13 candidates and consist of four one-week sessions over the course of a year. The one I am looking into is a DHS based program. If you have gone through it, was it worth it, did you make good contacts, did you learn anything, would you do it again?thanks so much for your help!

  14. Threadjack:

    (and I apologize if this has already been discussed in another thread…)
    Holiday gifts for assistants. I know this is an annual topic on all kinds of blogs, but I don’t really want to read the ATL comments to see what they think. What do you ladies do for your assistants? What do you think is an appropriate amount? What are the most important variables–region, firm size, hours, relative salary?

    1. I don’t get my assistant a huge birthday gift–I do a large holiday gift. She is fantastic and we’ve been working together since I started. I’ve read one “conventional” wisdom for BigLaw is $100 for every class year, but that seems kind of extreme to me. Last year I did $200 and this year I’m going to do $250 plus some small gifts that match her personality.
      This does vary a LOT though. I’m in a very HCOL city, BigLaw, and am almost-4th year. If any one of those don’t apply to you, my perspective is next to worthless.

      1. Reading somewhere about holiday gift expectations is a dangerous game — you might be able to guess the incentives. BigLaw, big city — I give $250 even though I’m a partner (so theoretically a 10th or 11th year — $1000? $1100?). I’d be surprised if anyone here other than the handful of really really ludicrously rich old guys gives more than $300.

    2. At my Big Law firm last year (which I’m no longer working at), I gave a $100 AmEx card to my assistant. I was a second year associate at a large east coast firm. I think $100 is pretty standard, perhaps more if you’re more senior or have worked with the assistant for a long time.

    3. I give my assistant a $50 gift card. I know ATL suggests $100 or $200 but I think that is excessive for anything except Biglaw in NYC. FWIW I am in a small firm in Boston, and don’t ask my assistant for much, and share her with 3 other people.

      1. This, plus a nice box of chocolates, is what I do at a small, public interest-side firm in D.C., (support staff is paid at Big Law rates, lawyers significantly below it, so the salary discrepancy is less than elsewhere). I asked around and that is about standard but a bit on the high side for associates at my firm. I think that asking around your office, though, is really the best way to judge.

    4. I get mine a $75 gift card to Nordstrom and a small gift (Christmas ornament, nice chocolates, something like that). I’m at regional BigLaw and I’m a third year.

      My assistant does very little for me over the course of the year. I think I might give her a larger gift if I depended on her more, but to be totally honest, I give her a gift mostly because it’s expected. On the other hand, there are firm staff who do a ton for me (tech support, word processing, etc.) and I drop off a basket of cookies and a card for them even though it’s not expected, because I want them to know that I notice & appreciate their work.

    5. All of the attorneys I work with put in cash (the more senior ones give more) and then someone goes and buys a gift card, dividing up the amount between our assistants. We usually then take them out to lunch and give them a holiday card with the gift card.

    6. I almost forgot to get something so thanks for the reminder! I think I’m going the gift card route as well, but I’m thinking that I need to get something from another assistant who helps out a lot, also, and our paralegal. Is cash too crude? I ask because my assistant is definitely not a Nordstroms shopper and she’s avoiding dairy and sugar and I have no idea what she would like.

      1. I’ve never heard anyone snark upon receiving cash. I know it’s contrary to etiquette, but really who makes up etiquette? I think most people are over the “tacky” stereotype.

      2. I think cash is the most appreciated of all gifts. ATL did a survey a few years back and a lot of assistants posted comments about how they really didn’t need a gift card to a particular store, or flowers, or a scarf, or something nice that they wouldn’t use. If you feel awkward about actual cash, just buy a Visa or AmEx gift card.

        1. I think cash is fine, but stick with larger denominations with larger, crisper bills that you’ve received from the bank, and not from the ATM (one $100 bill, not five $20’s, for example).

    7. I am a first year associate, right out of school and have only been with my small, Midwestern firm for four months. I got my assistant (who is also the assistant to one of the three partners) a scarf that fits her personality. I spent around $40. I also got the office book-keeper a $40 gift card to a store she frequents. (Mostly because I felt sad that every assistant in our small office gets 1 -2 gifts from the attorneys they work for, but the bookkeeper doesn’t seem to get the same treatment.) Next year, when I am more financially stable, I will probably give a $40 or $50 gift and $100 cash to my assistant and stick with the same gift as this year for the bookkeeper. I’m not sure what the partners and the other two associates give their assistants, but I know what I can afford this year, and that had to be good enough.

    8. I got my paralegal a gift card for a massage this year and got a big thank you in all caps and a string of exclamation points. I guess it went over. :-)

      The numbers I hear from some (ATL, for example) seem so big to me, maybe in part because I’m in a small firm (8 lawyers) and those are big firm numbers. The salaries here are enough to cover law school loan payments and monthly expenses, but none of us are exactly rolling in it here. Seems unfair to expect me to spent more on my assistant than I do on my own husband for Christmas.

      1. I have a similar question. I’m in a small NY office. Last year I got my assistant a $75 gift card and a small gift (spent about $100 total) as well as $25 gift cards and treats for the receptionist, file clerk and copy guy.

        I’m now a second year associate and my assistant went on maternity leave this summer. She was replaced but I barely ask her replacement for help and ask one of the others admins who sits closer for help.

        I’m thinking I should get both gifts but can I split the amount? Spending $200 on them when neither does that much work for me seems excessive.

  15. I like the pleating of the dress, it adds interest and the different textures give more vertical lines for that visual slimming effect. Regardless, I wouldn’t trade it in for my purple Target dress that we’ve all been posting about here (that I’m happily wearing today).

  16. Threadjack here: my fiance and I are getting married in October, and were just invited to an aquaintances’ wedding in June. We are not close with this couple, although they are somewhat in our circle of friends.

    We cannot invite them to our wedding – space reasons – and are unsure if we should attend their wedding or decline the invitation and just send a card/gift.

    Thoughts?

    1. If you want to go to the wedding, you should go even if you don’t plan on inviting them to yours. You should be able to assume that this couple is inviting you to their wedding because they would like you to attend, not because they are doing it so that they get invited to yours. (Though this could be the case – just ask my little sister who got invited to lots of weddings of random people probably so they’d get invited to hers. She graciously accepted invitations that she wished to, got the couple a nice gift, but didn’t feel the need to change her venue to accommodate a lot of people she wouldn’t have otherwise invited.)

      If you don’t want to go, send a thoughtful gift and your well wishes.

      Have fun, and congrats!

    2. Agree with Emily. Go if you want to go, and don’t assume any ulterior motive. They probably are having a much bigger wedding than you are and I doubt they’ll feel slighted if they don’t get a reciprocal invite.

        1. And you can always host the couple for drinks and dinner either at your home or at a nearby restuarant shortly after your own wedding if you aren’t going to be able to invite them to the wedding.

Comments are closed.