ByKat Hours Updated
Comments 177 Comments

Friday’s TPS Report: ‘Graphic Flutter’ Pleat Front V-Neck Top

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Vince Camuto 'Graphic Flutter' Pleat Front V-Neck Top | CorporetteOur daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Vince Camuto has a number of different color and sleeve options out for this streamlined, sleek pleat v-neck top — and I kind of want them all. I like the tight V, the hip length, and the side ruching. They're $29-$69 at Nordstrom (available in regular and plus sizes). Vince Camuto ‘Graphic Flutter' Pleat Front V-Neck Top Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com.

Sales of note for 4/18/25 (Happy Easter if you celebrate!):

  • Nordstrom – New spring markdowns, savings of up to 50%!
  • Ann Taylor – 40% off + extra 15% off your entire purchase
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50%-70% off everything + extra 20% off
  • Boden – 10% off new womenswear
  • The Fold – 25% off selected lines
  • Eloquii – extra 40% off all sale
  • Everlane – Spring sale, up to 70% off
  • J.Crew – Spring Event: 40% off sitewide + extra 40% off all sale
  • J.Crew Factory – 40%-70% off everything + extra 20% off orders over $125
  • Kule – Lots of sweaters up to 50% off
  • M.M.LaFleur – Earth Day Sale, take 25% off eco-conscious fabrics. Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
  • Rothy's – Final few – Up to 50% off last chance styles; new favorites added
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – 40% off + extra 15% off all markdowns

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

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

177 Comments

  1. Not loving the prints but the solid colors are nice.

    So excited that top two contenders in the presidential election in Brazil are both women. Looking forward to the day when this is no longer remarkable in politics!

      1. Didn’t realize this was so common in SA politics – obviously aware that there have been female presidents of various SA countries but didn’t remember a situation where both top contenders in a presidential election were women.

        I meant remarkable in the global sense as well – female presidential candidates (let alone both top contenders being female) are still the exception rather than the norm in most of North America/Europe/Asia.

          1. Of course I know about Margaret Thatcher (and Angela Merkel etc) but I think one female Prime Minister in hundreds of years is a little different from having a current female leader and then the subsequent election being fought by two female contenders.

            That was my apparently not clearly made point — there have been numerous countries with one time female leaders (Canada, UK, Ireland, Germany, etc, etc.) but the trend has been that female political leaders are the exception rather than the rule — hope to see that start to change.

        2. Not exceptional in Africa either, not that you bothered to mention that continent.

    2. I will take your comment in the spirit it was offered and reply with a resounding “Huzzah!” I’m inspired by it too.

      1. +1
        I think most of us understood what OP meant. Yes, we need more women political leaders. If South America is doing it successfully, then probably it is time for us to look at South America and learn from those women or social structure which puts the women on equal footing with men.

  2. Can’t make up my mind about the print but I do like the top and can see it with some of my outfits. The V-neck doesn’t look too revealing since it’s narrow – right? A top this fitted shouldn’t call for a cami but then I’m curvy…

    3. I have the 3/4 sleeve version. At times, I have found that I have to make sure it is pulled down correctly before bending over, but overall I think it has worked well.

  3. Amused that JCrew once again invoked puppies to get folks to open their sales emails.

    But now I’m really disappointed there were no puppies…

    1. Haha. I love dogs. I saw the subject line and knew there would of course be no puppies, but opened the email anyway. And I was disappointed anyway. *sigh*

      1. I did the same thing, still just hoping that there’d be a picture of some puppies! :)

  4. What are your favorite things to do on the day of your birthday if you don’t have to work?

    1. A leisurely brunch at my favorite place or possibly a new place, eat lots of treats, drink margaritas, go out to dinner.

      The possibilities seem endless and now I’m excited my birthday is on a Saturday this year.

    2. I like to get out of town. My birthday was a week ago and I met a bunch of girlfriends for the weekend and had a blast shopping and eating and drinking. If I’m in town I like to do a little pampering – mani/pedi, maybe the hair salon. And shopping. Always with the shopping…

    4. I do this just about every year on my bday. Morning at the spa, with lunch, nap in the afternoon, dinner with loved ones. Perfect day!

      1. That sounds like my favorite birthdays. I can never get enough of relaxing at the spa. My boyfriend also takes me to a new sushi restaurant every year.

    5. I always take my birthday off. I sleep in, take myself to a leisurely lunch, get a mani-pedi or something maybe, but generally just lounge about and enjoy taking time for myself. The movie matinee idea is a good one.

      Then that night I make my boyfriend take me out for sushi. Because sushi.

  5. Ideas for a Bat Mitzvah gift? This is for a work colleague’s daughter. Not particularly close with the young woman and not Jewish. If the appropriate gift is money – like with confirmations – is a check OK or can it be a gift card? Not sure if it is more like “special, education fund” money or buy something fun for yourself money. What would be your suggested amount?

    1. Education fund. My entire first year of college was paid for by my Bat Mitzvah money invested in CDs.

      If you’d rather give something non-monetary, people also often give jewelry, usually religious. My favorite Star of David pendant, a silver star over a small window of Roman glass, was also from my Bat Mitzvah.

    3. A check is totally fine, but the amount is going to vary based on where you live/the culture there. Personally I’d give like $50 (the bar/bat mitzvahs I attend are in the Chicago area), but I know in some New York circles this would be considered to be an offensively small amount, while people in my hometown would think it would be particularly generous.

    5. Yay! Fruegel Friday’s! I love Fruegel Friday’s and Vincent Camuto, but $69 for a Vneck is NOT to fruegel, Kat, unless you are part of the Bloomberg Family, that is!

      Any way, for the OP, I agree that an education fund or something in trust that will NOT mature until the girl reaches college age (or even 21, if she is iresonsibiel) is a good idea! 12 year old girls should NOT be given spendeing money b/c they will buy makeup or other thing’s that they will NOT even have when they are in college. We women need to start thinkeing SMART, b/c of all the discrimination we get b/c we are women. With money in the bank, we will have security, and will be less dependant on MEN to suport us and marry us. Even I am a littel queezey when it comes to being independant–I still have DAD do all the fineances for me and he wants to give it to my eventueal husband. Both he and ME do not trust me to do a good job. That’s why he hoped that Alan Sheketovits would be good, as an accounteant, but he was ONLEY good for drinkeing and soileing up my cotton and satine sheet’s. FOOEY on Alan.

      I now need a guy with both MONEY and a GOOD JOB who can impregenate me this year b/c I promised Grandma Leyeh I would either have a child or freeze my egg’s by next year. If anyone in the hive has ideas, suggestion’s or a GUY for me, PLEASE let me know, b/c I am over 33 year’s old! FOOEY!!!!!

      1. Ellen, I think you should give Alan a second chance. It’s not like you have 100 eligible suitors banging your door down to marry/impregnate you. In this season of forgiveness, even a drunk like Sheketovits is worthy of a second look, particularly if he has the seal of approval from Dad.

    6. A check or cash is fine. For a work colleague, I’d say between $50-100.

      Alternatively, you can do some simple, classic jewelry. Like a Tiffany signature necklace or stud earrings.

    7. Growing up, bookstore gift certificates were really common gifts. The usual amount at that time (20 years ago on the West coast) was $18 except for close family friends and relatives. I would assume on the East coast, 20 years later, the amount is probably higher.

    8. $18 or $36. The Hebrew letters designating the number 18 spell the word for life backwards. So it’s good luck to give in multiples of 18.

      1. Thanks for this. I’ve been to several Bar Mitzvahs and wish I’d known about it! *making mental note*

    9. If it’s money, it should be in a multiple of 18. In addition to checks, another option is a donation in the celebrant’s name (JNF — you can do it online, a local Jewish organization, Mazon Jewish Response to Hunger — also easy to give online).

  6. Oooo I like this top, especially in leopard the royal blue. It’s a v-neck, but not super low-cut, and still appropriate. Thanks for including an option that also comes in plus-sizes!

  7. Anyone have a Barbour jacket? I have my eye on two styles – one quilted and one waxwear – but am curious to know if people are happy with it.

    1. I have a quilted one and am happy with it. I use it for chilly fall days that haven’t moved into winter yet. What kind of weather are you using it for? The waxed is better for misty, temperate days, and the quilted is for dry, chillier days.

    2. Yes! I have both and both in the International, belted style! I love them both but wear the quilted much more than the waxed one. I hardly wear the waxed one, probably because I have another waxed jacket that is longer and has a hood, so if I’m going to be in the rain, which would make me opt for the wax, I’d go longer. It does have a very cool moto feel to it. The quilted one is much warmer than I’d imagine. I’d consider your climate and how you intend to wear them.

      ETA: If possible, you should try them on someplace. The traditional Barbour — even in the smallest size — is still very big on me and not in the chic oversize way either. I love the Internationalist style because it has a belt, but I recommend trying them on (Nordstrom has them online and can ship) not only because sizing is UK but also because the shapes/looks can vary widely.

      1. Yes, I forgot that I have a Heritage cut instead of the traditional. Some jackets are boxy. Barbour uses UK sizing (I think I have a 12, when I am usually a US 8), so trying them on at the store was helpful.

    3. I have a quilted one that I love. It’s a forest green and I wear it all winter. It’s the warmest coat/jacket I have and I agree, it’s much warmer than it looks. I like how it’s warm without bulk.

      A waxed Barbour is on my wishlist, but I can’t justify the cost per wear (not outdoorsy/live in a drought affected area that also doesn’t get super cold). Orvis also has Barbour jackets you can try on and I think they can order you a smaller size (which I think they only recently started making).

    4. Great info! I tried some on at Nordstrom this past weekend and I’m in love.

      Do they go on sale ever? I’d guess maybe at a third-party seller like Nordstrom… or is that being wishful?

      1. The Barbour in Chicago has sales! If you are in a city that has one, get on their email list and you will see sales around holidays.

      2. I was waffling whether to buy mine because it was so expensive, and the Barbour store manager gave me a 15% student discount with a wink (I was not a student). They go on sale at the end of season – maybe February?

    5. I have a waxed one and love love love it. Mind you, I live in a very rainy area so it is perfect for my climate. It was expensive, but I’ve already owned it for 6 years and will probably own it for at least 10 more. It is very comfy and just the right weight for fall and spring casual wear. I usually jazz it up with a colourful scarf. I just can’t see it ever dying.

      FWIW, while we are discussing Barbour, I also have a Barbour rain hat. It is the best thing since sliced bread. I carry it in my tote practically every day during the rainy months, and just slap it on when it starts to rain – beats carrying around an umbrella all the time. I thought I lost it for about 6 months and I swear, I went into mourning. Luckily I found it again. :-)

  8. Vicarious shopping request – I’m looking for a lightweight brown leather tote that is big enough to hold file folders but not stiff and structured. I want it to have at least a snap top closure (if not a zipper) and be very simple but with some style element of some sort. I’m willing to spend up to $350 for the right bag. Basically I’d love the Madewell tote that’s popular now if it was lighter more flexible leather and had some sort small contrast color element. TIA!

    2. You might try the LLBean Town & Field tote for $179. Not sure if it has enough of the style elements you’re seeking, but it would fit the bill on your other criteria.

  9. I found yesterday’s guest post really interesting, and enjoyed the discussion in the comments. It got me wondering – what are frugal habits or lessons you picked up in childhood? For me, it’s clipping coupons. I have vivid memories of watching my mother go through the newspaper and fill her coupon envelope. I do it now as an adult, even though the savings are minimal (most coupons today are for things we don’t buy).

    1. Never buy kleenex or table napkins if you have TP and paper towels… unless you have a cold in which case do get a box of tissues with lotion for that purpose.

      1. Ha! Yes. I’ve never understood the point of table napkins. If it’s a casual night – paper towels. If it’s a fancy night – cloth napkins! No need for an in-between option :)

        1. Ha! My grandparents re-used paper towels if they were clean enough because, you know, those things cost a penny per sheet. I don’t remember if they had a policy on paper napkins, though… maybe they always used cloth.

        1. +1. But my SO insists on using paper towels to blow his nose. I cringe every time – it seems so wasteful.

          1. Mine does the same! I cringe because I can just imagine how it’s scratching up his nose!

      3. I thought paper napkins were cheaper than paper towels. At least the ones I buy are. Don’t waste those expensive paper towels!

      4. Sure I could save money this way, but it is a hard and fast rule that I have the “fine” paper napkins and use them at meals. I am a singleton and eat alone. Mealtime needs to feel like “self care.”

    2. This remind me of a funny “class” moment I had. I don’t clip coupons for groceries but for clothing I rarely buy anything not on sale and love a good coupon. I had a 30% coupon for one item at Eddie Bauer. I went to the store and saw nothing I liked. The senior partner from my firm at the time was there buying a winter jacket for his daughter who was there with him. We talked for a few moments, just exchanging hellos, and I said “oh, I’m not going to use this coupon, you can use it for the jacket.” He looked totally confused and said something like “I’ve never used a coupon in my life.” He ended up thanking me and used it. Initially, his reaction seemed like coupons were beneath him though.

      1. Wow. Thanks for sharing that story – I am sure I work with people who shop like that senior partner….I shop much more like you!

      2. Meanwhile, I took a job at Bloomie’s once during the holiday season when I’d just had a breakup and needed to keep busy. It was 2004, so things were booming. I could not believe the people who’d come in dripping in amazing expensive clothes who insisted on couponing. And were a little terse about it.

        1. Eh. I wear expensive clothing and insist on couponing. The reason I can wear expensive clothing is because I buy it severely marked down.

      3. I wonder if this is a “men don’t use coupons” thing more than a class thing? Regardless, picturing his bafflement makes me laugh.

    3. I think I became overall frugal. So many things which are necessities to my husband are luxuries for me. I am always thinking about building assets and financial security.

      1. +1 It still feels like magic that I can technically buy whatever I want, when I want. But I don’t, because it feels so unnatural and I’d much rather keep the money in the bank.

        I keep cash in my wallet but never spend it. It’s like a security blanket, and I feel so much better knowing that it’s there. I also keep a stash in the house, which my husband finds bemusing.

        A not-so-good habit is that I really don’t know what to do with money other than save it. I learn and try, but I’m sure I could better at investing it. It was so uncommon to be able to even have money in a savings account when I was growing up that I never learned Step 2.

      2. I have a plastic bag storage dispenser. I don’t know what possessed me to buy it, but I love it because otherwise there are BAGS EVERYWHERE.

      4. Genuine question: what else would you do with plastic bags? Do some people throw them away?

        I never use paper towels when I can use a dish towel. Probably in reaction to my mother, who dries out paper towels flat on the counter and reuses them.

    5. Growing up, my family was able to take vacations requiring air travel thanks to my father’s frequent flier miles and hotel points he earned through work travel. Although we were fortunate to be able to travel, money was tight (we only vacationed if we could fly and stay for free on points) and I learned never, ever to buy anything in the airport because of the markup. To this day, I hate buying food at the airport and always try to bring food and snacks with me — even as a biglaw lawyer, I always had a banana and sandwich when I flew. A partner once jokingly said my brought-from-home lunch looked like a second grader’s, but it worked for me.

      2. For the same reason I LOVE buying drinks on the airplane. It seem like the epitome of luxury to me – growing up I always hoped that someday I’d be that fancy and look, now I am, with my $8 chardonnay in coach. I’ve made it!

          1. Magazines are my airplane “treat” for myself, especially ridiculous magazines that tell me what to wear this season with fur hooded vests and how to please my man in 45 new ways.

          3. I buy magazines only at the airport, too. Although this week I was dismayed to learn that the airport editions are higher-priced than the regular newsstand editions. Grr.

        2. Spouse and I went to a movie this summer and got popcorn- first time ever for both of us to spend money on concessions at the movie theater.

    6. I like this thread – for me, it’s always trying to mend something prior to deciding to buy a replacement.

      It’s funny how people can be frugal in some ways but not others. DH and I always save leftovers, even if they’re not enough for a full meal by themselves. But growing up, my mom would rarely save anything, even a tupperware of leftover rice to microwave later (she was a SAHM and cooked dinner every night). Oh, to be able to retroactively raid the leftovers!

    7. I dye my own hair. I know it’s not so uncommon but paying someone else to do it feels so indulgent.
      Washing out and reusing ziplock bags.
      Cutting open plastic lotion/shampoo/other goop containers to get out the last dregs.
      This one’s kind of gross: saving the remains of a pot of coffee in a jelly jar in the fridge and reheating it later.
      And saving all the jelly/spaghetti sauce/any other glass jars.
      Saving every single twist tie/rubber band/bread-closer-thingy.

      1. I was and reuse ziplocks, especially when I was pumping and using them to store pump parts. My father saw me doing it one day and said “your [depression era] Grandma would be so proud”.
        I’ve also re-picked up her habit of keeping bread bags to store our own baked goods in, although I have a limit as to how many I’ll keep. And we never buy garbage bags, we just use grocery store bags as trash bags – I am always amused when I see people bringing their own re-usable bags to the grocery store, but buying trash bags.

        1. The other day I asked DH to throw out a pile of wire hangers from the dry cleaners and he said his grandpa would roll over in his grave. But his grandpa used to tear down buildings, pull every single nail out of the wood, and hand straighten each nail to use again. Frugal level = expert.

          2. Same – the dry cleaner will take them. Same with egg crates if you buy eggs from a farmer’s market.

          4. You should take them back. Apparently (according to a sign at my dry cleaners), there was a shortage of wire hangers b/c they are all made at like one factory in China and there was some supply issue. I don’t know. But it seems wasteful/unsustainable to toss them…and goodwill won’t even take them.

            If you use a tailor, they love them. Dry Cleaners have machines that put the clothes into plastic, so they may not always be able to use slightly bent ones. But tailors can.

        2. In my city, the grocery store bags (at $0.05) are more expensive than buying trash bags

          1. Same and it would be annoying to carry little grocery bags of trash out to the alley all the time.

      2. “Saving the remains of a pot of coffee in a jelly car in the fridge and reheating it later” – we do this too. SO likes it because he can grab a cold jar of coffee straight from the fridge and toss it in his bag when he’s running late!

      3. I don’t reheat the leftover coffee – the heating and cooling and reheating process makes the coffee way more bitter, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with throwing it in the fridge to drink over ice later.

      4. I also save all the twist ties/bread thingies/rubber bands. But then I find I hardly ever use them for anything, except for the occasional rubber band. Nonetheless, I just can’t bring myself to throw them away…

      5. The coffee thing is not gross at all. That’s what I do to make my iced coffees. I also keep some simple syrup in my fridge for my iced coffees since granulated sugar won’t dissolve in cold drinks.

      6. My fiancé has 2 thermoses that keep coffee warm for 2-3 days. We both put any leftover coffee in the thermoses. I don’t drink it from the thermos, but he frequently does. If he hasn’t finished it by the time I have more leftover coffee to put in, I dump the old coffee and refill the thermos with the fresher piping hot coffee.

        1. PLEASE ! Tell me where to get one. I would love a thermos that preserved for that long!

          1. We have 1 from Starbucks that keeps coffee warm for a day or so. The one that keeps it warm for 2-3 days was purchased in Germany several years ago. I’ll check the brand when I get home and post it.

          2. I checked the other thermos and it doesn’t have a brand name anywhere on it.

    8. It’s interesting because I think it’s part frugality but also part what someone mentioned in terms of privilege. Other than perhaps groceries and services, I almost never buy anything full price. My mom taught us that most things will still be around and can be bought on discount. That’s the frugality. That being said, with regard to privilege, my mom always bargained – asked if it was the best price she could get and usually she could get a better price. Stores will price match or will want to keep you coming back, etc. At the end of the day, though, stuff is just stuff, so few things need to be bought now and full price (maybe that’s why I pay full price for groceries?) and we learned to not buy into trends and make more thoughtful purchases. I would also say our default setting was saving. Every birthday we had to deposit the next day all of the gift money and then we got $20 to spend. To a kid that’s a lot of money, but it made us think VERY long and hard about what to spend it on. I do the same thing now – I think about purchases very far in advance, research the best options, best times to buy, and then I wait!

      1. I have seen that the sales people in stores always have some coupon or some deal that they can use to reduce the price of the merchandise. I was in a store once and I liked a pair of pants. But they were clearly out of my budget and I decided not to buy and started walking out. The sales lady asked me why I am not buying them as they fit me well and I liked them as well. I told that it was just too expensive for me. She gave me a $20 discount and I bought them !!!

    9. Lessee, coupon clipping – although only for a few small items these days, since I don’t buy most processed foods; saving ziplocks by washing/reusing; saving store plastic bags for small garbage cans; NEVER throw away leftovers if you can avoid it, make a casserole or mustgo soup instead; pack lunch every day and carry snacks to avoid grabbing something while you’re out; can and preserve food when it’s cheap and in season (not sure if this really counts as frugal due to the high time commitment); reuse wrapping paper and ribbons; make coffee at home instead of buying out; never take a taxi, ever, when there’s buses and metro and feet (Uber has made me not follow this, I’ll admit); buying in bulk; thrift store shopping (largely stopped for clothing, still do it for lots of other things); and my favorite, going to the library instead of buying books or movies or music.

        1. Oh my goodness, my family are the experts at this. We have paper in our Christmas wrapping rotation that I swear has been around 10+ years. My grandparents and aunt don’t even use tape when they wrap things – just ribbon or raffia.

      2. Don’t feel guilty about Uber, one time we figured out it cost less to take Uber than to Metro in DC (would’ve been a long metro ride), so sometimes it is a cheaper option!

    10. Unless I’m with my husband (who has zero frugal habits, and resists mine) I almost never buy food at places like zoos, museums, amusement parks, sporting events, movies, airports… anywhere where you’re trapped and there’s a 500% markup. Sandwiches and apples all the way.

    11. My frugal habits actually don’t stem from childhood (because my parents were (and are) incredibly un-frugal because they don’t have to be), but I picked up these habits in grad school/1-2 years after because I was on a super tight budget. Clipping coupons for anything and everything. My husband laughs at me until he sees I’ve saved $20 at the grocery store. Never buying clothes or shoes full-price unless I need something quickly for a very specific situation (which only happens about once a year). Packing lunch, always drinking coffee/tea at home or bringing it into work. Always carrying a snack and water on me when I’m out and about. Buying household cleaning products and any beauty products at Wal-Mart as opposed to the grocery story. Always using my CVS 30% off coupon. It’s a little time consuming to keep track of coupons/sales but it really saves money! Also—my husband’s salary will go up significantly in the next few years but we don’t plan on ever paying more for rent/mortgage than we currently pay (in a high-rent area, so a mortgage should be lower).

    13. I do not want a car payment. So I drive a car until it dies and then buy a car at the value of what’s in my car savings account. So far, this has never been over $4K. I would rather travel and spend a day at the spa then have a nice car.

  10. I seem to be getting a bunch of white-ish smudge marks all over my black suit jacket. I thought at first they might be sunscreen smudges since I wear it everyday and am probably not the best at keeping my hands free of the stuff when touching all my other stuff. But then I decided to be really careful about this, and the smudges still reappear with alarming alacrity. Anyone had this problem before or have thoughts about how to keep my jacket clean? Also, it spends much of its time on the back of my chair and not actually on me.

    1. Might it be deodorant? I get smudges in odd places if I’m not careful getting dressed while wearing something sleeveless.

    3. Could you have something on the edge/bottom of your desk that is rubbing off on your jacket? Or deodorant?

    4. Could you have residual laundry detergent on your clothes that is rubbing onto your jacket?

  11. Nice top, I like the Vince Camuto tops I already have (but they all kind of look like this).

    I bought the J Crew Downtown Field Jacket on sale after seeing it recommended all over the place, but I feel kind of meh about it. Seeing many other people with it on and it hits in a weird spot on me.

    Does anyone own an Emerson Fry coat? I love the Combo Parka (at 4x the price of the J Crew coat, natch) but that’s about twice what I’ve ever spent on a coat before… Would be nice to upgrade from my standard Lands End down vest to something a bit more polished.

  12. My SO and I both work at huge, competing, international financial services companies with tens of thousands of employees each. Lately, I’ve been unhappy with changing work conditions and a high level of dysfunction within my department, and have been quietly looking at other opportunities.

    A job at my SO’s company just opened up that seems like it was written for me. It’s in his same super-division, but a completely different department, team, and even part of town. Is it a mistake to apply? I know the main fear is, “what if the company goes under?” and we’re both left jobless. Worth the risk?

    1. If it’s a huge company, it’s not likely to go under in a way that would leave all employees jobless, would it? Presumably someone would buy it out. I’m no expert on these things, but I think if that’s your main fear, it’s probably not a likely one.

    2. I know a number of couples who both work for my company. I agree with Anon at 12:06 that it’s not a huge risk, but do be very careful about not getting over-invested in company stock. That is, if your 401-k match is in company stock, moving it out of the stock as soon as you are able, so all your eggs aren’t in one basket.

    3. Check the benefit package conditions. At my place of employment, spouses are required to use one health care policy (they get to pick the individual carrying the plan). There is also something with the pension plan, I dont remember the specifics. Our nepotism policy also outlines the does and don’t s, which can and has stifled opportunities for advancement in the organization.

  13. To piggyback off the Bat Mitzvah question – DH and I want to send our niece money for her first birthday, which we hope/intend for her parents to save towards her education. Should we send a check – and if so, is it made out to her parents? A savings bond of some sort? Open an education savings account for her or something? Clearly we don’t have kids so don’t know the best way to go about this. Also if it is stupid to think we can designate what the money is for, tell me that, too. Thanks!

      1. For a savings bond, I think you need the recipient’s SSN to give one. It’s a nice gift, but in this day and age that requirement seems ridiculous if it’s still around.

        1. I looked up savings bonds on the treasury webs!te, and not only do you need the child’s SSN, the parents have to open a “treasure direct account” in order to receive the bond electronically, which is the only way they are issued now. Seemed like a good route but that’s too much red tape for me. Government, why do you make it so hard for me to loan you my money?!

        2. I have purchased savings bonds through my tax e-filer. My name is attached, but it also has the name of the recipient. No recipient SSN needed. (And I don’t think mine was printed on either, though I didn’t think to check.)

    2. Maybe ask if they’re doing a 529, and if so, tell the parents you’d like to contribute to it.

      1. This.

        Usually our relatives send a check and say that it’s for the education fund. We always honor the intent of the gift giver when they tell us. (For example, we also have a couple of relatives who instruct us to buy something fun, take the kids to certain activity, etc).

        1. Ditto — we have a 529 and our close relatives know it, so if they send a check and indicate it’s for education, we cash & then move the $ to the 529.

          One relative does savings bonds & it seems sort of antiquated.

      2. 529. Depending on your state, you can open the account for your niece as the beneficiary, and you can get the tax deduction. Win-win. My parents buy my kids small trinket gifts for birthdays and such, but their real “gift” is a 529 plan for each (they contribute a regular monthly amount to each account for each grandkid).

  14. What is everyone’s favorite productivity tool? I don’t know if it’s a commitment flaw, but I tend to need some new tool or technique to keep me fully motivated every six months or so. I’ve tried running to do lists on legal pads, nicer notebooks, and most recently the beta version of this schedule: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/77516971/the-week-dominator-a-beautiful-canvas-to-tackle-go?mc_cid=b4858afdab&mc_eid=7f8e61f339. The schedule helps, but I still feel like I could better manage my time. So I’d love to here your secret productivity tricks.

  15. Does anyone have a a pair of camel colored skinny jeans they would recommend? I am picturing them with cognac boots and a beige sweater for a kind of monotone look, or a denim button down. I have browsed my usual-suspect sites and have an idea, but want to see if anyone has specific recommendations. I’m a tall pear shape.

    1. Not denim, but I am happy with my Andie chinos from J. Crew, and they have a khaki color. Don’t be too turned off by the word “chino”–the fit is jean-like and flattering.

      1. +1 to the Andie chinos. I have them in steel grey and a peacock blue color and the fit is similar to the minnies.

  16. Another vicarious shopping request – I am looking for a white shirt. Sleeves – elbow or 3/4, although long could potentially work. No buttons, which seems to be the sticking point. Something silky-ish, i.e. not anything that would be mistaken for a t-shirt. Pleating or even a tiny bit of beading would be okay so long as the overall effect is still classic and simple. And ideally $50 or under. I thought this would be simple but it has been literally months and I still haven’t found anything that matches what I am envisioning.

      1. Oh my goodness, I think that is going to work! Thank you!! I swear I had checked Last Call, but maybe it was a few weeks ago and this top wasn’t there. You have completely made my day. I can’t tell you how much time I have spent perusing websites and even in-stores. Seriously, thank you!

  17. So, just moved into a new apartment in a really nice town with very friendly neighbors. Good for me, right? Well… not so much now.

    I was very enthusiastic about having social neighbors after having lived in a big cold city for a while. The people in this new smaller place are mostly kind and genuine. I haven’t shared too much about myself but anyone can tell that I live alone.

    So yesterday, I check my mailbox (which is right next to my front door) and I see a folded handwritten note (not mailed in an envelope). I open it to discover a very high school style note that reads “I have the biggest crush on you since I first saw you. Please let me explain why I like you so much. <> Text me. You know who I am. You won’t regret texting me once you find out who I am.”

    Wow! I’m so flattered…. NOT! This seems very creepy to me. I have a suspicion that it is a male neighbor of mine who is either married or has a live in gf and a child. He was very nice and offered to help me move in. I thanked him and told him I’ve got it covered. I made a point of speaking more directly to his wife/gf than him because I know how couples can be at times.

    I’m a kind person who probably smiles too much. I was friendly to everyone equally and extra kind to the neighbor kids. I don’t think I did anything to send the wrong signal. I believe I come off as an older (mid 30s) professional chick – not someone who is “looking.”

    Of course, I’m not going to text or call this person. There was no name on the note, just a “you won’t regret this” which already screams shady to me… as it just dropping a handwritten note in a stranger’s mailbox isn’t icky enough. We’re all adults here. Can’t you just introduce yourself and say “I find you attractive and want to cheat on my wife.” :P *trying to make light of an uncomfortable situation*

    I’m probably a little freaked out for nothing… But I closed all the blinds on my ground floor apartment last night, which I feel I shouldn’t have to do. I don’t think the guy is a stalker or anything, but I just feel very uncomfortable. What are people thinking when they do this sort of thing? Ugh…

    1. Yeah this is so not about whether you’re too smiley or talkative or anything. That’s straight up creepy. If we’re talking real small town no violent crime ever police not busy type place I would call the non-emergency line to report it. Not because they can do anything about a note like this, but so they’re aware in case anything else happens.

      And read The Gift of Fear. This is setting your alarm bells ringing for good reason.

    2. You’re not wrong for feeling uncomfortable and freaked out, but you definitely shouldn’t be blaming yourself for having smiled too much or sending out some sort of signal that you were “looking.” You could have been cold as ice to this person and he still probably would have contacted you because he’s a creep. This is all on him. Ignore the message, ignore him if you have to, and I hope that will be the end of it.

      1. Yep. It’s not your job to “avoid sending signals.” It’s his job to not be a creeper.

        1. Thanks everyone. It think the whole “you won’t regret it” part really freaks me out because whoever this is is under the impression that I’m interested too…

          Also, I wish I could show you the actual letter. There’s a smiley face on it, smack dab in the middle of the letter. Its a crooked creepy smiley that looks like the Joker on Batman.

          Gives me the heebie jeebies!

          1. He is under that impression because he is a creepster who violates boundaries, not because of anything you said or did.

          2. The smiley face and childish behavior makes me think – it is possibly just one of the neighborhood kids? At least it may be less threatening/creepy if so….

    3. No advice besides what has been said, but something similar happened to me too, except not as creepy because he doesn’t know where I live (although he could easily find out). As a solo practitioner who works mainly from home, I have a UPS business address/mailbox. I’m always friendly with the people behind the counter and the owner there, and the young-ish guy who works there found me on Match.com. He started sending these gushy, cringe-inducing emails, and I never responded. I eventually did, and asked him to remain professional, to which he again sent multiple emails. I don’t want to get him fired, so I’ve just started checking my mailbox at a different time of day when I know he won’t be there. But it’s super annoying.

      1. That’s dumb!!! You’re altering your schedule to avoid the risk that someone who is harassing customers and driving away business might get fired. Why? Dumb.

        1. Your dumb for calling her dumb ya big dum dummy!(And I know my ‘your’ from ‘you’re.’)

          But jokes aside, you should refrain from using that term, especially when you have a legit point. Perhaps Solo is fearful. Perhaps Solo just deals with things differently. I doubt Solo is dumb.

      2. I’m so sorry that is happening to you. :( I don’t understand what guys are thinking when they act this way. And it’s hard to tell if they are just harmless/stupid or if it’s something more devious. And what’s creepier yet is that they have the opportunity to just say something to our faces and instead choose to go about it in an underhanded manner. I mean all that guy had to do was wait til you came in and say “I noticed you’re on Match. Perhaps we could go get coffee sometime.” to you in person and you’d say yay or nay. Ends it right there. I just don’t understand…

    4. Sorry you have to deal with this! That is creepy and would certainly raise red flags.
      If you have genuinely nice friendly lady neighbors (who you know are NOT the senders!) it may help to let them know that you received a weird and crazy note in your mailbox and are a bit concerned.
      This may (1) help to have someone watching out for you (2) spread the word that the attention is unwanted and may be escalated to authorities if it continues and (3) even help you find out who it is if other people are keeping an eye on your mailbox.

      1. Good suggestions. I hadn’t considered that it could be a child or a woman. I should know better because I moved here from San Francisco! There is an older couple (retired folks) that lives in the corner unit. The husband sits outside on a porch chair and watches all the townhomes/apartments during the day and into the evening. He was even giving me the ol’ fuzzy eyeball when he didn’t know who I was. Now that they know who I am, they’ve proven to be really kind and caring neighbors. I could probably ask the husband to keep an eye on my mailbox for me. I think he’d appreciate having something to do with his day! :) Thanks!

  18. Ann Taylor question. I am seriously eyeing a bunch of stuff in their current collection but I don’t have an Ann Taylor anywhere near me, and before I shell out an arm and a leg on taxes and duty (sigh, thank you, Canada Customs….without even looking at the leather jacket, AT already wants to charge me close to $100 just on duties), I need to know what these things are like in real life. Yes, I’ve read the reviews where applicable, but I trust my anonymous C—–te buddies more than anonymous reviewers. :-)

    The items I am most interested in are:
    – faux leather pleated skirt
    – cropped cable sweater
    – leather moto jacket

    Links to follow separately.

    Has anyone seen these items in person, and can you comment on fit, fabric, etc.?

    For reference, I am a 5’4″ pear.

    Thank you!

    4. I bought the faux leather pleated skirt over the weekend. It is very nice in person and I’m looking forward to wearing it (once the dag-nabbed weather gets out of the triple digits!). Note: I sized up two sizes from my usual size because it fits very closely over the belly and I wanted a little breathing room.

    5. Not sure if Loft sizes are the same as Ann Taylor (I think they’re the same company), but there’s a Loft in Metrotown now.

      1. Yes, there’s a Loft at Park Royal too. But sadly that does me no good in terms of actually ordering. It would be nice if I could order from one of the Toronto stores but I don’t think they’ll go for that.

Comments are closed.