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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 70 Comments · by

Wednesday’s TPS Report: Lexi Shirt

Fashion· The Personal Shopper (TPS)· Wear to Work | · · · ·

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Club Monaco Lexi ShirtClub Monaco has finally entered the online shopping arena, opening a boutique on ShopBop.com. We lurve this silk-chiffon blouse — the neutral color, the bloused sleeves, the slight pouf to the shoulders, the mandarin collar — we even like the shirttail hem. We'd wear it with a white camisole beneath it and, while it looks great tucked, we might try it worn untucked and belted. It's $119 at ShopBop (sizes XS-L). Club Monaco Lexi Shirt 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 9.10.24

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Comments

  1. Kath

    Correction for AIMS et al, re: Goody spin pins:

    My instructions (from a few days ago) were not totally correct; actually, you have to rotate the pins into the bun (rather than just pushing them straight). But it’s pretty intuitive nonetheless.

    I realized my error as I was putting them in this morning….

    • AIMS

      Thanks, Kath! That’s very thoughtful of you. I haven’t gotten mine yet; the local drugstore didn’t have them. Will look for them next time I am near a Target or something similar.

      • jcb

        I ordered them from Amazon when y’all were talking about them the other day (I had already checked the local Walgreen’s after a previous conversation and couldn’t find them), and they arrived this morning!! So excited to try them out tonight.

    • rocknroll

      I picked up a pair at BBB last night and am wearing them today. Successfully did it on my first try! This is amazing!! =) (I also got the modern updo pin, but am having trouble with it… every time I try, it either pulls my hair way too tight or digs uncomforatbly into my scalp/nape of neck.)

      • fresh jd

        The modern updo one does not work with my hair at all. But this spin pin sounds intriguing!

  2. cbackson

    I often think Club Monaco stuff is pretty, but my experience has been that quality doesn’t measure up given the price point. I haven’t tried anything on in a few years, though–does anyone else have a more recent experience?

    • Makeup Junkie

      I was just thinking the same thing – when did Club Monaco get so expensive?

    • Anonymous K

      I’ve been shopping there on-and-off for about 7 years and found that it really depends on the item. One of the first things I ever bought there was a silk skirt that’s held up really well. On the other hand, a got a shirt about two years ago that lasted maybe three wearings. I’m at the point now where I can usually tell in-store if something will hold up or not. It’s hard to explain without seeing the item, but I try to look at the stitching, etc. Of course, this doesn’t help when it comes to on-line shopping.

    • divaliscious11

      As someone who worked retail in undergrad, usually the first shipment is the very good quality – if the demand rows, the cheaper quality runs follow, so it probably depends on the item and the run…

      • Anonymous K

        Did you work at Club Monaco specifically? I’ve worked a ridiculous number of retail jobs and I’ve found that this varies by store.

  3. AD

    I tried to post already, so apologies if this ends up as a double post…. Has anyone had any experience with either Bettye Muller or Butter shoes (quality especially, but also fit)? I found a couple of pairs of boots I like on Endless I’m debating with myself about, and ideally I’d like to pull the trigger before the sale ends today.

    • Cat

      I have a pair of lightweight leather flats from Bettye Muller — I am a 7 and they fit true to size. I’ve been pleased with how they are holding up, especially given the thin sole and that I wear them mostly for walking on concrete (granted, usually just 4-8 blocks or so to dinner and back, but still.) I’ve had them ~3 years.

    • Anonymous

      I have Butter sandals that I love. The leather is pretty high quality. The fit seems true to size, but it’s hard to compare between boots and sandals I think…

    • dee

      I have a pair of Butter heels that I loooooove. The quality is excellent and they are very comfortable (low heel). They fit TTS.

      • Sara

        I have a pair of Bettye Muller pumps. They seem to run about half a size large. They are very well-constructed and durable though.

  4. Parisienne

    Love this shirt – it would go well with many things – a perfect suit blouse. It says dry clean, but it would probably be washable – which saves a ton of money. A real wardrobe investment.

    • nonA

      I would be extremely leary of washing silk that isn’t expressly marked “washable.”

      • lawDJ

        I wash all my silk with Woolite in my bathroom sink regardless of what it says. So far, no problems.

          • nonA

            Interesting … I feel like all my silk shirts have ended up with water stains, and I tend to stay away from the stuff altogether.

          • lawDJ

            nonA – if you wash the whole shirt, water stains go away when the shirt dries. I also dry clean for stains if my woolite didn’t fix them.

        • JAS

          I heard from a woman who had a LOT of fancy Chinese silk that the best way to wash it is with a gentle shampoo (probably not something like Brilliant Brunette, but more like baby shampoo). The idea is that it’s natural fiber like hair, I guess. It’s worked for me the few times I have done it.

        • KZ

          agreed. if it’s 100% silk, i tend to handwash on the theory that the ancient chinese did not have dry cleaners, and silk hasn’t changed over the centuries, right?

          • AN

            KZ – usually yes. I have started washing silk with Woolite (thanks – whoever gave that tip) and I have several (older) relatives who swear by hand-washing silk saris!

  5. stc

    Just got spin pins and love them! Was able to air dry my hair and then put them in when I got to work and I think it looks pretty good. Yeah!

    • Anonymous K

      You ladies have convinced me! I will be looking for the spin pins this evening after work. Do they come in different shades (to coordinate with hair color) like bobby pins?

      • Kath

        The ones I’ve seen are in dark brown and light brown/gold. Not a huge range, but I think they’ll blend in unless your hair is super red or blonde. (I’m guessing dark brown blends in decently with black hair.)

        For what it’s worth, I bought the modern updo piece yesterday and I haven’t yet been able to put it in right. It veers to the side and also hurts my scalp. Not sure if my hair is too long/short or if my technique is off, but so far I am unimpressed.

        • surrounded by lawyers

          Was it you who I was trying to convince about the updo pin, say last week/weekend? I’m sorry you’re still having problems with it!

          Like I said, I found the demonstrations on YouTube solved my problems, and now I love it. However, I have a lot of hair and you might do better with a smaller updo pin if you have shorter or fine hair. (I know they exist because I have tried them and not been able to get all of my hair into them–but it would not be Goody. I saw one or two smaller versions from other brands at Bed Bath & Beyond…)

          • surrounded by lawyers

            I have found that putting the updo pin somewhat THROUGH the bun, on its way up (as opposed to underneath it, as the instructions say) can help with avoiding the ouch. Also, I intervene a lot in the direction the pin goes on the way back down through the bun. I agree–when left alone it tends to the side, so I prod it to keep it pointing straight down.

            If there is ever a substantial bump of hair that has escaped the knot–on either side, or above the pin–that’s a sign that the updo isn’t going to stay. I always check and redo if necessary.

            Wishing you better luck!

        • Anonymous K

          Thanks for the quick responses, ladies! Sometimes the “regular” bobby pins don’t blend in as well with my hair as the blond ones, so I’ll try to be on the lookout for the blond spin pins. If I can’t find those ones, I can do the light blond ones, they just don’t always blend as well.

          • AT

            I’m finding the spin pins don’t hold my bun in. I have tried to stick a few extra bobbies in with them, but so far no luck. Same problems with the updo piece – it either hurts or doesn’t hold. May just be a matter of practicing and finding the right trick.

    • eb

      Does anyone in Canada have any idea of where to find these in-store? I haven’t been able to find them in Pharmaprix/Shoppers Drug Mart, which is usually my go-to for Goody products. (I’m now in dt Toronto.)

    • lawDJ

      I just cut my hair pretty short, any idea of whether these will work for it? I might buy them anyway, just in case they disappear when my hair is long again.

      • Kath

        I think they’ll work if you have enough hair to put into a true, circular, wrap-around bun. If your hair won’t go all the way around at least once, I think the pieces won’t be able to hold the bun together.

  6. stc

    I got mine at target-not sure if you have them there but you could probably order as well.

  7. DC

    Sorry for the threadjack but I’m in desperate need of fall jacket now that it is fall! I was thinking the best thing to do was just get a trench coat and I can wear it as well when it rains. I really like the Burberry styles but I just can’t imagine spending $800 on a jacket unless it really is worth it. Do people think it’s worth it? Does it just fit better and feel really nice? If it’s a classic that I could wear for years to come, I’d definitely buy it since I hate spending $200 every 3 years on a fall jacket. Thanks!

    • stc

      Not so much in the same vein, but I was at Target recently and they had water resistant trenches that were pretty cute for 39.99…

    • NicMarie29

      I have a Burberry trench that I bought a few years ago. It always looks fabulous and still looks brand new. I definitely think it’s a classic that I will wear forever.

    • MelD

      I think my mom still has her Burberry trench from the ’60s or ’70s. The style doesn’t really look at all dated to me.

    • divaliscious11

      Are you in DC? If so, head out to Loudon county to the outlet mall past Dulles. there is a Burberry outlet, an Off Fifth (saks) and a Barney’s outlet. the Burberry isn’t, or didn’t used to be seconds, just prior season coats etc… and if its a classic, you’ll be fine. I bought a $2700 cashmere coat from there for about $680 a few years ago and I get compliments on it every season.

      • DC

        Thanks everyone for the responses! Going to keep looking and thinking if I should make the splurge. :)

  8. Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler

    Not quite a threadjack, but a friend of mine has created an Etsy store and I wanted to share. These may not be work appropriate, but there have been a lot of wedding threads and her items are gorgeous in person! She also does custom creations.
    http://bit.ly/bDoN6H

  9. Midori

    Another threadjack: A girlfriend has just launched into Mary Kay consulting. I’ve never bought Mary Kay before, but I want to help her out. Any of you fans? What should I buy?

    • Samantha

      Bought some years ago after a free consultation – it was the hand cream set for my mom. But my suggestion is to try the free makeover/free consultation and sample some products, they are very good about letting you do that and then decide.

    • KateL

      Ditto on taking her up on the free consultation. An office mate used a few of us as a practice run to get her rhythm down on try on process. Last fall MK was big on new skin care line so we removed any make-up we had on and did a mini-facial first, followed by make-up application. I bought a tinted lip balm with SPF that I like. Price point was between drugstore and department store brands.

    • dm58

      I usually use bobbi brown or Laurie Mercier (sp). My sister started selling mary kay. I really didn’t want to switch, but tried it out to support her. I love the mascara and love the eye shadows. I am okay with the blush and do use it . I also like the daytime moisturizer.

      Other than that, no. I buy my primer and tinted moisturizer from LM and have stuck with that. I just found the tinted moisturizer from Mary Kay too dark for my skin (I am PASTY white but with olive undertone (italian) — basically the worst combination ever!) and too heavy/sticky. I found the nighttime moisturizer and under-eye cream just different in a bad way and couldn’t handle the switch. And I still buy Paula Dorf lipstick. I do like the MK lipglosses, though. And the handcream is nice.

      Overall, the quality of the Mary Kay makeup is just fine . . . and it is MUCH cheaper than my usual brands, so I don’t mind supporting my sister!

    • Anon L

      We had a Mary Kay rep do a demonstration at my sorority way back when…the skincare stuff she had us try on irritated my skin, so I would probably steer clear of their skincare products. Disclaimer: This was about 8 years ago and as always YMMV.

    • KelliJ

      A friend of mine started selling it and the only thing I will buy is the lip gloss. I really dislike MK makeup. When I put on MK, I can feel the makeup on my skin. (I have a similar experience with Bobbi Brown.)

  10. JAS

    hey ladies – I need some help with a skin issue. Of course, this problem had to come up when I have a job interview tomorrow, right?? Sorry, some of the details are kind of icky so if you are squeamish about this stuff, please feel free to skip.

    Here’s the story. I had a very small blemish between my eyebrows, and I’m sorry to say I had picked at it so it was scabbed over. (Sorry, gross!) But it was tiny and mostly healed. Then I went to get my eyebrows done on Monday night and not only did the woman open the cut with the wax, she then slathered my forehead with alcohol before I realized what was happening. Now the blemish is larger, and redder, and there is a large patch of irritated scaly skin between my eyebrows surrounding it (because she put alcohol on my skin which had JUST been waxed). How do I cover/treat this??? I am thinking maybe try to exfoliate the dryness tonight and slather it with moisturizers (maybe even vaseline? this will surely lead to breakouts later but may be worth it in the short term?). I don’t know how to apply foundation or concealer over this irritated skin without making it look even more obvious. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

    • J

      Not a dermatologist (or MD at all), but here are my thoughts:

      I would avoid exfoliation since I think it will worsen the irritation. (If you really want to get off some dead skin, maybe use scotch tape?) I would also avoid vaseline because it will both lead to breakouts and prevent the skin from doing whatever it has to do. Instead, I would just keep it moisturized and leave it alone for tonight. You can moisturize a lot, just not with something that will clog your pores. (Maybe a thick eye moisturizer even?)

      For tomorrow, I would put on foundation and then, if necessary, concealer. It will probably be noticeable, but I doubt it will cost you the job.

      Good luck with the interview!

    • Min

      That sounds AWFUL! Just my .02, but I would let it HEAL as much as you can today. Put on some Neosporin or the like and don’t touch it anymore.

      Tomorrow, hold a warm washcloth on it for a bit and then see what you’re dealing with. If it is scabby, you don’t want to exfoliate or it will only bleed and become worse. If it appears to just be dryish skin that will flake off at that point, I think you would be safe in rubbing it very lightly with the washcloth and following up with a moisturizer–and then step away from the mirror a bit until it has a chance to calm down. At that point, you can evaluate whether makeup truly would be helpful. I’d be careful with concealer. Any dry skin will just be magnified. If dry skin isn’t so much the issue but a need to even out texture, then those liquid to solid foundations (consistency like putty) can do a good job. Go easy though at first, it’s easy to keep piling on until you find you’re looking cakey. Often, just letting it be is less noticeable. And keep your head up and let your confidence shine through regardless.

    • naijamodel

      I would steer clear of anything harsh…
      Maybe ice it to cut down on redness/swelling, clean with witchhazel (can get this at walmart /drugstores), put 100% aloe vera gel on it?

      It will be easier to cover if it isn’t swollen or bleeding still. Primer, then green-tinted concealer (physicians formula has one I have used), then used a brush to pat on some regular concealer after you do the rest of your face.

      Hope you heal soon! Good luck on your interview!

      • AN

        Aloe vera gel/ice. But don’t exfoliate! Just leave it and cover up with concealer.

        And don’t worry – thousands of women go to interviews with this kind of stuff and I doubt it cost anyone a job. It’s like a man going for an interview with a shaving nick. Relax & focus on the content.

    • Anonymous

      I normally put cortisone cream on my scaly/itchy skin and on rashes. It’ll soothe it and help it heal. Don’t exfoliate it if the skin is irritated, you’ll only make it worse. To avoid infection, you may also want to put on an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin overnight.

      • Anonymous

        Oh, ugh, I just realized you have a job interview. Honestly, there’s no way it’s going to go away by tomorrow. The least awkward thing might be to cover it with a bandaid, and say that you got hit in the head somehow and have a small cut.

        • Midori

          Don’t put a bandaid on it! Yikes! That’s like drawing a target on your head with a big arrow.

          Just play it cool. Leave it clean, do the best you can with it, and then try to forget about it. Good luck!

    • New Here

      I’ve actually had some luck with putting Visine on red blemishes. I don’t remember where I heard about it, but it really does reduce the redness. Good luck on your interview!

      • JAS

        Thanks to everyone for the good wishes and suggestions. I took a hot steamy shower and that seemed to do some good. Since then I have been putting aloe on it and it’s helping with the scaliness and flakiness if not the redness. I guess I’ll see what it looks like tomorrow and no matter what, I will just make sure everything else is as polished as it can be and hope for the best!

  11. dee

    This shirt has actually been in my “hearts” on shopbop for a while. I think it looks like a perfect blouse and I have been trying to expand my blouse collection.

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