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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Nordstrom has a ton of cute work-appropriate dresses in the $150 and under range right now. We're really liking this simple black faux wrap dress which, apparently, is almost a “stretchy denim material,” according to the one reviewer (who raved about the dress). We like the collar, we like that it's lined, and we like the ladylike length of it. Lovely. It's $118 at Nordstrom in sizes 4-14. Donna Ricco Ruched Cotton Dress (L-2)Sales of note for 10.24.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Friends of Ann Event, 30% off! Suits are included in the 30% off!
- Banana Republic Factory – 40-60% off everything, and redeem Stylecash!
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
- J.Crew – Friends & Family event, 30% off sitewide.
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Up to 30% off on new arrivals
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 40% off entire purchase, plus free shipping no minimum
- White House Black Market – Buy more, save more; buy 3+ get an extra 50% off
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Dress
This is very cute! I wonder how low the neckline is and if it would require a cami underneath if worn to work.
Speaking of black dresses, I wanted to circle back and post a review on the Talbots dress I bought last week. Several of you really liked it and asked to share my thoughts once I received it. It’s the pretty brights knits dress, as seen here:
http://www1.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi24558&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat80018&sortKey=Default§ion=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008
Sadly, now I know why so many of you hate Talbots! This was my first purchase from this store and will likely be my last. Everyone’s comments about Talbots’ sizing are absolutely true. The shape of this dress is very boxy, with absolutely NO nipping in the waist area. I have never worn a dress this shapeless. I usually wear a size 4/size s in most dresses, but even the XS in this dress looked like a sack on me. It’s really too bad because I loved the style of this dress and thought it would be perfect for work, but the fit is way too boxy.
If Talbots wants to attract a younger demographic, they need to get their sizing act together!
AIMS
Thanks for the review — that really is too bad! I was really considering it in black. Oh well. Maybe someone from Talbots will hear (read) all this chatter and make a note, though :)
Blonde Lawyer
Could it be fixed with a $10 alteration if you love it that much?
Dress
Nope, I don’t think so. Way, way too much fabric in the stomach and bust area. I think that any alterations would cost way more than $10.
jojo
I just made a Talbots return, too: their Ruffled Belted Shirtdress,
http://www1.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi24400&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat80018&sortKey=Default§ion=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008.
I’m not that tall (5’10”) but the bottom hem hit me above the knee, and with the stance of the buttons, the slit opened up to above mid-thigh when I sat down. The quality and fabric were nice (although it’s unlined, another detractor for me) but the length was a dealbreaker. It was roomy across the shoulders, but not to the point where I was swimming in it.
AbbyA
Thank you for reporting in. I had given up on Talbots several years ago, but was going to give it a try, given the reports on its having revamped it style. I am not going to waste my time now.
KZ
thanks for the follow-up. It’s a shame it didn’t work–it looks so nice on the model (though, come to think of it, it’s probably clipped at the waist in the back, which is so annoying when stores do that. I want to see what it looks like on a normal person without being pinned.)
Dress
Yes, it must be clipped. Ugh, so annoying.
eem
Thanks for reporting back on this. I went to order it on Monday (the last day of their 20% off deal) and they were out of my size…now I know that I shouldn’t be disappointed. I did pick up this one in black:
http://www1.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi24606&rootCategory=cat70010&catId=cat80018&sortKey=Default§ion=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70010
But I am normally a 6-8 and I had to get the extra small to get it to fit and not be totally boxy.
Lawgirl
I’ve returned all e 3 Talbot’s dresses I’ve tried (2 sheaths, 1 v-neck/wrap thingie). Just wrong, on so many levels (like everyone has mentioned). Their pants did fit me well, though, which I found interesting.
martha
this doesn’t surprise me. my 65 year old mother LOOOOVES talbots and i go shopping with her there every once in awhile. invariably, i end up seeing one or two things that i think look cute for me on the hanger and decide to try them on. also invariably, they never work out.
E
GORGEOUS! Oh, to be American!
Grump
I hate stretchy cotton fabric. It clings in all the wrong places, attracts lint and looks cheap. It’s the kind of fabric used to manufacture suits sold in shops like H&M. I avoid that kind of fabric like the plague. I’d much rather a silk or wool-mix or a decent quality synthetic/poly – especially for $115.
KLo
I look everywhere for dresses in cotton because it doesn’t cling or attract lint (I guess it COULD look less expensive). Funny how different things work for different people, huh?
And with this dress, if I hadn’t just dropped about $300 on suit pieces, jewelry for moms and a trip, I’d order this one. I really like it. Even if I would have to wear a cami.
Shayna
I love cotton beceause it really is breathable and way more likely to be washable than other natural fibers — but every black skirt/pair of slacks I own, made from cotton, attract lint like its their purpose :-(
E
I like the look of this. To circle back to previous topics, this looks like a dress that might work in the early stages of pregnancy or when you’re just back to work. It looks like there is extra fabric in the midsection, though clearly you’d need to try it on to be sure.
ERP
Pretty! Good silhouette and length. Although I am a hint concerned about the stretch black-denim comment, I appreciate that the fabric may be more substantial or heavy than some shirt dresses. Also, I think this is a good price point.
AnneCatherine
These comments are making me crack up today—the mention of Talbots’ boxiness, and the possibility of this dress being worn while pregnant—because today I am wearing a Talbots silk shell that, when I put it on, truly transformed me into someone who looked 6 to 8 months pregnant. It just has all this extra fabric in front that is poofing out and making a clothing baby. I stared at myself in the mirror and was considering making people at work think I somehow started showing overnight or something (I’m not pregnant). Or, like, making people open doors for me. Since I was in a hurry, instead of changing I put on a cardigan—which I would have anyway, since the shell is cap-sleeved—and buttoned the two midsection-level buttons to sort of give myself a waist again. The funny thing is, the shirt fits me in the shoulders, sleeves, etc. Oh well, at least I will have some maternity wear if I ever need it. I’ve never had this issue with their shells before but usually I get their sleeveless shells, not cap-sleeved.
I like the look of this Nordstrom dress, by the way, for weekends or something, but would hate the ironing. And, at least for me, it wouldn’t be work-appropriate without a jacket (maybe beige canvas or linen), but even then it looks super-casual to me and even kind of small on the model? Not tight necessarily, but like there is too little fabric to this dress to wear to work. The stretchy-denim thing seals it, for me, and I work in a fairly biz cas office in a fairly non-conservative city.
AnneCatherine
Oh and I forgot the other thing that was making me laugh; when I went to Talbots.com to see if I could find a pic of my shirt, I saw the headline “Lady Jackets.” What is that? Sounds like something Liz Lemon would refer to on 30 Rock. “I’m wearing a Lady Jacket.”
Shayna
haha thanks for sharing! :-)
Dress
LOL! Yeah, Talbots sizing is so, so strange. I really hope someone from there reads some of these comments and takes them to heart.
2L NYC
Lady jackets! I just bought one online yesterday in the JCrew sale: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Sale/AllProducts/PRDOVR~22995/99101926614/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~lady%20jacket/22995.jsp
I have a lot of trouble with JCrew fit, maybe JCrew is the Talbots for younger people because all their stuff has way too much fabric in the waist…I always imagined they used large rectangular blocks as models for their clothing. I’m hoping this jacket will be different for some reason.
dee
i really like that “Lady Jacket” – I wonder if they have it in stores…
1L NYC
I think that Jcrew just doesn’t have small sizes. I tried to fix it by buying petites, which definitely doesn’t work if you are not actually petite…
The two things form Jcrew that actually fit me are lovely though!
jojo
I think you’re on to something with the blocks theory.
http://www.bitterlawyer.com/index.php/columns_detail_comment/why_does_j_crew_hate_my_breasts/?cat_id=16
AnneCatherine
Oh that blog just made me . . . sad. Not so much that one article, but one she linked to in it (which I clicked because it sounded like it was going to be about building a classy, if expensive, wardrobe, but in reality was about the importance of harnessing, in her own words, the “unique power a (reasonably) stylish, non-overweight, attractive woman” has to get ahead in law. I mean, it may be true, but why promote that as the only way for women to achieve power? And the comments on THAT article were just so . . . bitter (I guess in keeping with the site name—duh, I should have been warned), very angry about the inferior class of women they were subjected to seeing at work that do not meet their standards. Uggh reminds me why I hate most legal blogs and websites . . . and why I appreciate how supportive we all (usually!) are of each other (or try to be!).
Clerky
For a non-boxy fit, I highly highly recommend clothing from the Classiques Entier line at Nordstrom. It’s expensive, but I only buy stuff on sale. The clothes are really elegant and great on women who are curvy/have a defined waist.
dee
I agree! I actually don’t think it’s expensive for the quality, but I agree that it can be a little pricey. I bought a dress from them and it fits me – tiny shoulders, big butt, large boobs – like a glove. Better than my theory dresses fit.
bella
Definitely wouldn’t work for most of the tops they sell, but I finally bought this shirt: http://www1.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi23872&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat80006&sortKey=Default§ion=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008
after trying on almost every size permutation available. I was able to find one that actually seems pretty flattering – going down a size reduced the gapping I had in the armhole area, and getting a petite got rid of a lot of the extra fabric (length and width both). I did look like I was wearing a circus tent when I put on my normal size though!
I don’t even try on the pants there, no chance I’m going to find something that works….
RR
I have this in blue and absolutely love it. It looks fabulous (I think) under my heather brown suit. I bought my normal size and thought it looked good, although I definitely had to tuck it – but I chalked that up to being short-waisted.
I still love Talbots despite all the dissenters. Maybe because I’m plus size? It has hands down the best options for plus size professional wear! Most of my wardrobe comes from Talbots.
K
I have to agree with RR — I [heart] Talbots too, especially because they carry work-appropriate plus size clothing. Maybe there are better options out there — but who has time to search for them? Yay, Talbots!
KelliJ
I tried this dress on last week and let me tell you that stretchy denim material does not mean stretchy. I had to do yoga moves to get my arms in the sleeves (it looked fabulous once I got it on BTW) but I literally wrenched my shoulder to get it on. I didn’t buy it because it was too hard to get on and off.
Midori
Love it! Great length. I have long legs, so anything shorter than just skimming the top of the knee looks a bit “weekend-y” on me.
Another black dress
I’m thinking of buying this black wrap dress from Banana, but the reviews are all over the place. Has anyone purchased this and if so, what are your thoughts?
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50133&vid=1&pid=746476&scid=746476002
dee
I haven’t tried that one on, but I tried this one on, which appears to be the same dress, different print:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50133&vid=1&pid=746564&scid=746564002
The fabric was nice, but the bottom was waaaaaay too revealing. I was excited because I like tulip skirt, but it didn’t sit properly and showed off way to much leg. I was afraid that if I took a big step you would be able to see my undies. I tried to size up but then the top was too big. So I think it may have to be one of those things you go and try on.
I got this dress instead and have been very happy:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50133&vid=1&pid=746480&scid=746480002
AIMS
If you do get it, enter code DG2GDG82ZCQL at checkout — 40% two items, today only.
(not really clear on if you have to buy 2 items, or it’s a two item max, or what).
KZ
it’s a two item max. I just used it to get one item. I was going to get two, but the dress I’ve been eying for weeks mysteriously disappeared, despite all the sizes being available two days ago:-(
KZ
oh, also, the code “sohoship” will get you free shipping. (this one should work I think at least until the end of the month)
CFM
Does anyone have another code? It said that one has been redeemed. Thanks :)
B
This dress looks suspiciously identical to a bright pink dress I purchased last year from BR – same “tulip” skirt, v-neck, self belt, everything, except it’s pink. I love the dress, but it is definitely not for work for me. The V-neck is very low, and (1) I’ve always thought it would ruin the look to add a cami, and (2) it’s very drapey, so it’s hard to keep shut. That said, I love the dress for going out, special events, etc. I wore it to a summer showing of cirque du soleil, and dinner celebrations, and am looking forward to the weather being warm enough to break it out again.
CFM
Does BR not have full suits online? I like the high waisted charcoal skirt but is there no jacket to go with it?
SS
The jacket has disappeared!!! I’ve seen it in the store and it used to be online but it’s gone. I doubt it’s sold it though, go to a store? I have the same suit in black and although the skirt is a cut a bit small on me, it’s a good suit and I was also thinking about getting the grey.
CFM
ah! I really want to buy it in grey and wanted to use that online promo code, especially since I should not be shopping :) I’m trying to decide whether to buy the skirt as a separate and just hope I find the jacket in a few weeks when finals are over
dee
banana republic has these 40% off coupons for in-store every wednesday. I bet if you went and told them you forgot your coupons at home, they’d give you the discount.
KZ
I was in the store today and they still had a few of the jackets left. They’re probably just sold out online, so try it in on the store. (I have the suit and love it–I went and bought the pants to go with it today… as well as a new skirt since the one I bought months ago has gotten, er… a little too tight.)
KZ
also, if your local store doesn’t have your size but you can get the style number, you can call their customer service line and they’ll find you a store that has one in your size and you can have it shipped to you. I once was determined to find a shirt and had to call a store on the other side of the country, but it worked out.
Lucy
A lot of time when companies have a big sale (e.g., 40% off everything leather), certain items mysteriously disappear online only to reappear later. I think it’s to avoid selling them in the promotion. Brooks Brothers does this a lot.
KZ
ooh, sneaky of them. I didn’t know that. I’ll check back in a few days, and if it’s back, I’m going to be sad because I want it, but probably not enough to pay full price.
ES
Tried this dress on in store – the bottom part of the dress slits right in between your legs. Anytime you move, the slit goes up to way high in the thigh – definitely not work (or anytime!) appropriate. The sales associate in the store agreed with my assessment, so I’m guessing lots of people have had that problem with the dress.
Shayna
I’m not a fan of the denim dress — denim material for a skirt – great. Love me so tailored dark rinse jeans, absolutely — but a dress? Sounds uncomfortably stiff!
It’s an okay looking dress… would expect it to be more in the $60 range at JC Penney or the $30 range at Old Navy.
AIMS
I bought a denim DKNY dress last summer. Def not for the office, but I ended wearing it A LOT (almost every weekend) and can’t wait for the weather to warm up to wear it again.
It was a super soft denim, very comfy but also very cute. I think it’s one of those things that you have to see in person to be sure, but can be quite great.
That said, a dress like this one above in anything resembling denim wouldnt work (mine’s a very summery, casual number)
Shayna
Good call — there are a lot of items that I’ve seen in person/tried on and been in love with that before I would have said “heck, no” to —
But yes, not a work appropriate fabric :-( (I’m still envious of the girl who has a job where they wear jeans… insert sigh here!)
75
Any dress that you have to wonder whether to wear a cami under it is cut too low for work. Who wants to see a cami peeking out from a low neck at work? To women it looks silly, and to men it looks like underwear. This is the year of the dress, but this year’s work dress has shirt styling or military styling, has a lot of stitching, and does not have ruching or ruffles of any kind. Such a dress is easy to find (Macy’s) and looks good on every body type.
Blonde Lawyer
I totally disagree about the cami. It can be used to add a hint of color to an otherwise boring outfit just as it can be used to cover up cleavage. Unless it is lace, it doesn’t look like underwear, just another layer. Many shirts/dresses are made with the intent that you will wear another layer underneath. I agree that it can look less professional with a button front shirt on but not with a regular v-neck shirt.
3L
Who are you to decide what “this year’s work dress” is? To me, having a work style is about not wearing what is “this year” but wearing what looks good on you.
And since my 34dds like to peak out of everything, I wear camis. So sue me.
Samantha
Besides, men’s undershirts are often visible e.g. around the neckline or the short sleeves. It’s totally cool to have a cami show, neither men nor women think its odd especially if its a plain cami.
AN
I wear DvF dresses with a cami and no way does it resemble men’s undershirts!
Eponine
PSA: Ann Taylor is having a great online sale – massive discounts on final sale items. I got a silk pencil skirt and a merino cardigan for $29.88 each.
dee
a PSA in line with Eponine’s: for those of you who like NY & Co., they’re having a 50% off everything sale in-store (or at least, at the store on 58th & Lex in Manhattan).
s-k-s
Pretty sure that I don’t want to buy anything for work made of “denim-like” material.