Wednesday’s TPS Report: Fitted Blazer With Scalloped Trim

103 Comments

1. I think this is gorgeous, though I don’t think it would fly at my work. I don’t think people would like to meet their surgeon and have her looking so trendy. But I really like the shape of the blazer and stripes are awesome without being over the top.

   1. I met with my endocrinologist the other day and I was in awe of her seer-sucker suit. I always enjoy when my doctors are dressed nicely (especially since I’ve had to see them too many of them too often this past year, including surgeons). Go for it E, your patients will enjoy it =).

   2. Put your hand over the model’s face/hair and her jeans. Still look trendy to you? I don’t think it’s trendy.

   3. Yep. My primary care doctor is a superb dresser and it’s one of the few reasons I like going to see her – to see what she’s wearing. Give it a shot!

      1. You guys are great! Thanks for the motivation. I usually wear my white coat to clinic, but maybe some days I’ll mix it up. As long as I’m not too silly or trampy, I think it’s all good.

      2. Agree. My ob-gyn has the most amazing diamond ear studs and pendant (classy and flashy) and I loved looking at them, though I was also probably contributing to the payments on them!

         But they also took my mind off the shots I had to take from time to time:)

         Go for it!

2. Another one I like but probably couldn’t pull off myself. I think I’d look a little like a clown.

3. I know some people are going to hate this, but I kind of love it. I would wear it at work over a solid navy dress with some cute sandals (which would be totally fine for my office). It would also be a great weekend piece over jeans and a t-shirt, or with a cute khaki or denim skirt. This is a great find, Kat!

4. I love this!

5. I think this is awesome (although maybe not great for all offices), but very much not for me. I would love this on another woman, but it’s not in my style at all.

6. I think this is a good way, if you can, to take a little trend to the office. It’s a riff on the Eton jacket, only not quite so obvious in its provenance. And if THAT doesn’t take fashion writing to a completely new level of pretentiousness I will eat said jacket for breakfast. After I finish my tea, of course.

   1. Dear, I think you have the goods to make David Cameron himself blush. Carry on!

7. Ca-ute!

8. My first thought was “ew” but then I looked at the close up and made a 180. This would top off a perfect jeans day outfit. Now that my office allows jeans, I’m always on the prowl for good jackets like this.

9. That is a great jacket to add some structure to a casual outfit, or tone down a formal outfit. Very versatile.

10. Is the darker stripe navy or black? If its navy, I don’t think I’d like it paired with a black skirt – it would look a little off.

    Otherwise, though, its incredibly cute. My general problem with blazers is that I have to wear a suit 4 days a week, so on Friday I never want to pull on a trendy bus-cas blazer.

    1. Same. I see all these people on the weekends, looking super stylish in their jeans or dresses with blazers but the idea of putting one on in my “off” just doesn’t appeal to me, even though I love the way that it looks on others.

11. I agree–this is super cute. I don’t know if I’m cool enough to make it work though :)

12. I really like this, but this is the type of thing I would have to see on before I could buy it. I wonder what the return policy is or if I could find the sale somewhere in person…

13. It screams “jockey” to me. But if it speaks to you in more dulcet tones, enjoy it with impunity (and a mint julep), darling.

14. Interrobang, you have a blog we all can read, correct? Love your wit.

    I think this is one of those blazers that doesn’t look good in pictures (and I hate how it was styled here) but could be adorable in person.

15. If I didn’t think I would look like a clown college drop out I would love it… Although I don’t buy navy as a rule – much easier to maximize my wardrobe if it’s all in the same family (black, grey, etc.)

16. Threadjack – Need to vent – and I think y’all will get this:

    I went through the interview process for a job, actually gave them references – who the hiring manager then called and talked to for 45 minutes each… about 3 weeks ago.

    Then nothing – so yesterday I e-mailed him and the HR guy to ask if they needed anything further…

    HR guy sent an e-mail he intended for the hiring manager, but instead sent to me, “Do you want me to call her now, or should we wait until Suzie formally accepts”

    Fail… on so many levels.

    1. Wow. I’m so sorry. There are no words.

       1. That’s truly awful.
          I know it’s probably tough to hear this right now, but I’d take that as a huge sign that it probably wouldn’t have been a great place to work. You probably just dodged a bullet without realizing it.

       2. WOW. That SUCKS. So sorry this happened!

          My most recent rejection letter said “in any other year your qualifications would have deserved at least an interview, but…”

          Keep your head up.

          1. I can’t believe someone would put that in a letter! Like, gee, thanks for telling me…

    2. Wow. that is ridiculously lame. So sorry!!

    3. Ouch. So sorry for you.

       On the otherhand, if Suzie doesn’t accept, would you want the job? I recommend an indulgence of some small sort, then dusting yourself off and assessing how you want to respond, if at all.

       1. Actually… yes… I have no pride ;-) – it’s a great job!

          But do I e-mail him back, saying fyi – you sent this to me, not Hiring Manager, or do nothing?

          1. I would definitely email him back. Keep it very short and very polite. Something along the lines of “I believe that I am not the intended recipient of this email. I remain extremely interested in *job* and look forward to hearing from you.”

             1. I like this wording – thank you!

             2. This reeeeeeeaaaaally sucks. But I’d use Anon’s wording above. Be graceful about it.

             3. Thanks all — -Used this wording, and got a voice-mail apologizing and confirming that I did not get the job — A small and admittedly petty part of me is glad that he felt guilty about the error in e-mailing me…

    4. What a horrible mistake of which to be on the receiving end.

       I sympathize with all the jobseekers in this market.

    5. Oh, man. I am so sorry. That guy is full of shame and fail…or at least he should be!

    6. So sorry. How awful. But I agree with E’s inquiry about what you would do if Suzie rejects. Keep your chin up and keep trying.

       1. Exactly, and now you have a chance to show them how to respond with grace to situations showing a lack thereof.

    7. I hope you responded with a witty remark somehow, so he knows you failed, but you don’t come off as a jerk.

       And I’m really, really sorry – ouch.

       1. So he knows HE failed. Sorry. Ugh. You did not fail one bit.

       2. Thanks – I’m in the midst of composing one – but I’m not sure whether it should be, “Dear HR Man, FYI you sent this to me in error, but thanks for the info” or what… I don’t want to sound bitter/desperate but I don’t want him to see what he did in his outbox next week and think I’m a space cadet and didn’t read his e-mail anyway… and I’m ok w/ being no. 2 if no. 2 gets me the job…

          1. Don’t send it. What would you gain by sending it, especially if you would still be interested in the job. The reality is and it can hurt, you are not the first choice, but that does not take away from your skills or what you have to offer. I lost a job to a coworker and when I inquired via my network why, since I was a stronger candidate, I was told they needed to hire a black woman (double minority) and I was only a woman. It sucked, but life is not fair and goes on.

          2. I’d be more jokey about it, but that’s just my nature. I’d say something like, “I think you sent me this by mistake. No worries – at least I can stop waiting by the phone, right? Please do let me know if future opportunities arise with your organization. Regards, Anon”

          3. HOw about something like: “Dear HR Man, Thank you for your email. I recognize that it was sent to me in error, but appreciate the information as to status, and hope that my application for employment with your fabulous firm remains in the running for serious consideration. I was so impressed with my interviewers/the firm upon my visit etc”.
             You don’t want to sound bitter, but he is going to find out soon enough that he sent it and it is going to be weird if you just ignore it.

             1. I think jcb’s wording is spot on. You should gracefully let him know that you received the email and that you understand what it means, but that you are still very much interested in the job. Managing this situation well could potentially bump you up a notch on the firm’s short list, which is important if this other canidate declines the position.

    8. I’m really sorry this happened to you. :-( It really sucks when people are d-bags. But think of all the Karma points you got today and treat yourself to some dessert/wine/clothes/long phone convo with a good friend. :-)

    9. Wow, that sucks! Agree with others re: response to the HR guy.

       The email probably means that you were second choice and they wanted to wait until the other person accepted before knocking you off. Obviously that is cold comfort, but it means they really liked you and did consider you as a good candidate for the job. Take that, hold your head high, and march off to your next interview knowing it can’t get much worse (hopefully)!

    10. A colleague of mine just found out that he was laid off via an e-mail between the head of HR and his department head who had erroneously copied him. Hard to believe this happens – but it does.

17. I see there are also matching shorts. Although I can’t see the shorts and jacket going together (shorts suits, seriously?), I think the shorts could be super cute with a white cap sleeve button up (It’s a bit hard to tell if the shorts are a weird cut? I’d have to try them on).

    1. one of my co-workers wears shorts suits. It’s very cute while being totally inappropriate. I can’t explain it really, but I think she watches too much TV where women dress like that.

       1. What industry are you in?!

          1. I’m a lawyer at a Big Firm.

       2. I often wonder if women get their workplace style suggestions from tv. I was watching a few episodes of the Good Wife last night and I was struck by how office-appropriate the wardrobes of Christine Baranski and Julianna Margulies’ characters were. Then I realized that appropriately dressed women on tv should be the norm, not the exception.

          1. I just saw a woman come in for an interview jacket-free, in high, white, patent-leather pumps, a frilly silk top (sleeveless) and no stockings.

             She looked adorable, and straight out of a J Crew catalog, but at the same time, completely inappropriate attire.

18. Threadjack (too early in the day for this?)

    I am studying for my surgical boards (think Bar Exam). I am also working full time and have an 18 month old. I will not have time off before I take the test in mid-August. I am starting to freak out. I am sure some of you had full time jobs as you studied for the Bar. Any tips on staying focused and motivated in the midst of other responsibilities and fatigue?

    1. Wow – it seems like you really have a lot on your plate. I took the bar recently, and all I can really suggest is to make sure that you can focus and take care of yourself as much as possible. Rely on your hubby or parents or in-laws (whoever) to take care of the baby so you have time to study, sleep, etc. Make sure to eat not only healthy but the right foods to keep energy up. Take breaks when you can so you don’t burn out or get sick. And try to focus less on the little things – maybe you need a mother’s helper and you wouldn’t normally shell out the cash for it, but (if you can afford it without a hardship) it’s probably worth it for your sanity and your score. You certainly don’t want to have to take the test again. And make sure your work knows the test is coming so hopefully they don’t swamp you, and can find other people who aren’t taking the test in August to do small tasks for you – remember, they want you to succeed too. Just remember that though it may seem selfish, right now it really all has to be about you. And once the test is over you can do something nice for all the people who helped you out in this high-stress time (a romantic night with your husband, flowers for your mother-in-law, cookies at work, stuff like that). Good luck- you can do it!

    2. Wow — that is tough.
       I didn’t have the same amount of juggling to do as you, but I think the most important thing is to breathe, and then assess the “must dos” from the “have tos” and the “want tos.”
       When I studied for the bar, I basically made a list of things that I was going to ignore until the exam. I also indulged myself where I could, by sending laundry out, for example.
       I also simplified my life in as many ways as I could, for ex., I figured out what helped me function food wise & I pretty much ate the same 3 meals every days, which was one less thing to think about.
       And, don’t be afraid to ask for help — your friends and family are resources in a time like this. If you need a few hours, don’t hesitate to ask a loved one to watch your child so you can get some studying done. Also, don’t feel guilty — this is (ideally) a once in a lifetime thing — if you ignore your baby a bit during this time, he won’t remember and he will admire your ability to do this all when he is older.
       Best of luck!!!!

    3. E I feel for you
       This one of the moments where you have to reassess your whole diet and make it as healthy as possible.
       Also try to cutout some ME time every now and then and plan to have small bursts of fun between strenuous work regimen and cramming.
       Also, I am not sure if this applies to you but this is the best time to sollicit your support group be it to do some of your chores, or to sit your baby or cook you a hearty meal etc. believe me it helps because the little tasks build up.

       Best of luck for your exams

    4. I worked while studying for the bar, but didn’t have a kid. You need to minimize distractions and make sure you get plenty of rest. In this case, you probably need a babysitter or your spouse to play with your kid while you study in the evenings, and your husband needs to be the one to get up at night if your kid needs something. And don’t beat yourself up over it. Your child will survive a couple months of absentee mommy, and you can have lots of extra bonding time afterward.

       Also, do try to make time for exercise at least a few times a week, and don’t study while exercising. Eat at least one meal per day without working while you’re eating, and make sure you get three solid meals a day and stick to healthy snacks. You need to take care of your body for your mind to be at its sharpest.

       Finally, if you can afford it, stay in a hotel during the boards (I assume they’re multi-day, like the bar). I sprung for a nice hotel room, and was so glad not to have my family around nagging me, plus room service was a godsend.

       You can do it!

    5. My sister just took Step I yesterday (HUGE sigh of relief from my family) so I can understand a little of what you’re going through. I noticed that my sister would overstudy and it would really mess with her comprehension and stress levels. I know maxing your study time is important but definitely take that 5 mins every 3 or 4 days and walk around the block with your child (or even by yourself) – just do something completely unrelated to your boards. Good luck!

    6. I agree with all the advice offered here, especially re: exercising and eating well (I also ate the same 3 meals every day during Bar prep, and went for a walk/jog in the morning and ended my day with about 20 minutes of easy yoga), getting a hotel room for the actual exam days, and the “me” time. My one true indulgence: I got a massage every week. There was a new company that offered in-home massages for great prices, so I didn’t even have to leave my house. Find what will make you feel good — getting your hair blown out, weekly manicure, etc. — and do it. As other people have said, you only want to take this exam once and you need to make sure you are taken care of in order to make that happen. Good luck!!!

19. Another thread hijack….

    I am going to a conference this weekend, which I am SUPER excited about. I know it will be a huge networking opportunity for me. I also know I will be getting a huge number of business cards. Where do you guys put the cards when they are handed to you? Where do you store them later? I am just trying to get organizational ideas in my head, since that is not my strength, at all.

    Thank you!!

    1. I slip them into my portfolio sleeve – it helps if you bring a binder clip to keep them all together.

       1. And for later I add them into my email address book at work. :) No need to keep the cards, but sometimes they still end up in a pile on my desk.

    2. I stick them in my business card case or portfolio, and later I file them in my business card/rolodex thingy.

    3. I also write on the back of the card where I met the person and any other reminders of what we talked about so that when I contact them in the future I can reference our conversation. I’ll also add these notes into my email address book once I return to the office.

       1. This is a great idea

    4. I have two business card holders, one for my cards and one for cards I get. it works well for me.

       1. If you’re wearing a suit or a blazer with pockets, I often have my own cards in my right-hand jacket pocket, and other peoples’ cards in my left-hand pocket. Then go through them when you have a minute later (that afternoon/evening at hotel, back at office, whenever, but while it’s still fresh in your memory) and make notes in the cards. Mark down, on front or back, where you met the person and what’s important about them– why you might call them later, their specialty, etc. I store mine later in my rolodex, but putting them into a digital database somewhere is a good idea, too.

20. Sorry for this threadjack but I gotta do it…

    GO TEAM USA!!

    That is all :)

    1. haha, agree!

    2. That was a 91+ minute heart attack. But huzzah!!!

21. Re the jacket – the fabric looks very nice, and I like the cut. I would wear it with white pants, or with a navy skirt that has a bit of fullness and that is on the shorter side.

    Re clothing on doctors, I always appreciate it when they wear a white coat. It looks so professional! I would rather not know their specific taste in clothing – male or female. Recently I went to a doctor who was wearing flat sandals. Bare legs and feet of course. Something about this did not look quite right to me.

22. This jacket is adorable. I’d wear it with white jeans, wedge sandals, and a white tee.
    Now, if only I was slim enough to pull off white jeans…

    1. No snark intended but why do you have to be “slim enough” for white jeans? If anything, slim fit white denim looks really flattering on a lot of different body types. If you want it, you can eventually find the perfect pair!

       1. Ditto! White jeans/pants are more about fit than anything else. The most flattering pair of pants I own are white, and I am not slim. But the cut is fabulous on me, and I feel like a million bucks every time I put them on. Go forth and wear white jeans!!

          1. same here! I am quite curvy and my go-to pants for feeling awesome are white.

       2. I don’t know about LOVE IT, but for me, it’s more of an issue of proportion than an issue of size. I am larger on the bottom than on the top, so I don’t like to wear a darker color on bottom than on top whenever possible.

23. I’m surprised that a few people have commented that this jacket seems trendy. It looks like a fairly classic navy pinstripe to me, ignoring the way they’ve styled it, of course. However, I also don’t think a 100% cotton, unlined jacket is likely to hang well or be of good quality, and I wouldn’t spend over $100 for any unlined jacket.

24. I really like the jacket, but I agree with Erin … unlined and cotton might not work all that well for too long.

    As an aside, has anyone seen the Goody Spin Pin? Or used it? I’m studying for a mini-term exam and saw a commercial for it. They say it does the work of 20 bobby pins. I think it looks great! Can anyone attest?
    http://www.goody.com/#/grid/default/products/simple_styles_spin_pin

    1. I’ve never tried it (or seen it) but I am intrigued. I am also, however, a bit hesitant, as I have curls and am envisioning a huge spin-pin tangle…

    2. This looks like a disaster for curly hair. Also, they apparently only want business from blondes and brunettes, so I will not be buying. Screw you, anti-ginger world.

       1. ^^ Yeah, really!!!!

    3. I just ordered a set of all four style aids. I think the spin pin may be remniscent of the time my curly hair got stuck in a “brush” curling iron when I was 12, but I’m intrigued by the volume boost and the updo tool. I can never make that pony poof, so it’s worth $14.99 for me to try these things out.

       1. I used to have a brush curling iron and boy do I miss it. I troll the aisles of Target every now and again looking for a replacement, but alas none is to be found.

    4. I bought them a few weeks ago and have had limited success. My hair is medium to long (a couple inches past my shoulders) with lots of layers so there’s always lots of pieces of hair sticking out of the bun. I have to pin up all the loose hair so it defeats the purpose of the spin pins.

       That said, I sometimes use them when my hair is still a little damp – spray some hair spray/ gel, run it through my hair, and then put it in a bun before bed. It adds lots of volume and doesn’t pull hair the way a ponytail holder would. It’s great if it’s hot out and you don’t want to use a blowdryer – though you’d need to give your hair time to air dry.

    5. I have used the Goody Spin Pin. I love it. I have just past shoulder length, relatively straight, thin hair – lots of it. I blow it straight in the mornings, but here in the humid south, by the afternoon it is starting to frizz. I keep the pins close by and use them to twist my hair into a low bun if it becomes unruly. There are actually two pins, one for the top and one for the bottom and you twist them in like little screws. They stay in my hair, without pulling it. I can’t say how it would work to hold curly hair, but for me it is great.

       1. That’s what I wanted to hear! You just described me (location, hairstyle, etc.). Next time I’m in Target or CVS, they’ll be in my cart. Thanks!

       2. It does not work for me :( I was so excited too! The problem is my hair has some left over layers, so those stick out

       3. I have spin pins. Medium-long, very thick curly hear. Wear them almost every day. Love it. I usually put a bit of gel in before putting them in, but not always.

          1. I have spin pins. Medium-long, very thick curly hear. Wear them almost every day. Love it. I put them in when my hair’s still wet, usually with a bit of gel in, but not always, and it usually stays in all day.

             Also, my hair’s red. The pins barely show, so the color’s not a big deal.

    6. If it’s anything like their modern updo pin (http://www.goody.com/#/grid/default/products/simple_styles_modern_updo_pin) then it’s crap. I want my $6 back!

       1. World’s most annoying website.

    7. I was actually just looking at the Goody site yesterday (and I agree, worst website ever!), because I’m looking for better alternatives to the old bobby pins I have for pinning up loose pieces of hair – like the layers that others referred to. I’d love any suggestions!

       I just got a haircut that is much shorter than anything I’ve had in the past, so when I pull my hair back into a ponytail, the pieces at the nape of my neck come loose. I have super-thick hair, so it drops right out of regular bobby pins if I try to clip the back pieces up.

       Not as concerned about professional/work hairstyles since I hardly ever wear my hair up for work, but something for the downtime to keep the flyaways off my neck and face would be great! If I can’t find anything, I’m just going to pick up some of the thin elastic headbands and wear those when wearing a ponytail.

       Thanks!

25. I like this a lot, although I’m not a blazer girl, not yet.

    Rachel Roy looks like a good brand for me, based on demographics. Although I’d obviously wait for the sales to purchase the prettiest garments. Can anyone speak to quality?

    Speaking of pretty, I LOVE this. Any suggestions on how to wear it? I have a similar long cardigan, but its sleeves are long and it tends to become the statement, whereas it looks like this one might have more versatility:

    http://www.rachelroy.com/Crochet-Long-Cardi/110022058,default,pd.html?cgid=110006272&itemNum=17&variantColor=JJ169XX&variantSizeClass=

    1. I’ve seen a few women wearing these on the streets, and they uniformly look ridiculous. They tend to flap around and look like some sort of central Asian tribal costume you’d see men wearing on the news. I have no idea how you’d style it to look nicely. It looks ridiculous on the model IMO, like Little House on the Prairie gone wrong.

       1. Yeah, I think the stylist was doing the best they could there, and even then it looks questionable at best…I can’t think of a way to wear it without the cardigan overwhelming the rest of the outfit. It’s just way too much going on – too black, too long, too grandma.

    2. I can’t imagine anyone in my office building wearing something like that to work.

       1. oh no no no, not for work. for fun!

          1. I think it would look best with denim leggings, or other leggings of contrasting color, and a giant belt.

26. I am not a big fan of the stripes.

27. Come on Rachael! Can’t you at least do a size 12? The medium size of the American woman is a 14 – don’t leave us out.

28. this is a prison jacket from the 20s. Since you all seem to be in some sort of fashion purgatory I guess it is fitting

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