Weekend Open Thread
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&quality=85&profile=jpeg "Alexa Chung for Madewell It's All Happening Denim Trousers")
Something on your mind? Chat about it here.
I am drooling over a lot of the denim at Madewell, and particularly these wide leg trousers by Alexa Chung for Madewell. They have just the right amount of '70s vibe to them — you get the laidback feeling without having to set your entire weekend to a Cat Stevens soundtrack. These are $145 at Madewell. Alexa Chung for Madewell It's All Happening Denim Trousers
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Sales of note for 5/19/25:
- Nordstrom Rack – Looking for a deal on a Dyson hairdryer? The Rack has several refurbished ones for $199-$240 (instead of $400+) — but they're final sale only.
- M.M.LaFleur – Daily flash sales, and lots of twill suiting on sale! Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off. 5/19's flash sale: Jardigans down to $175-$209, dresses down to $150, blazers down to $250
- Nordstrom – Lots of markdowns on AGL (50%!), Weitzman, Tumi, Frank & Eileen, Zella, Natori, Cole Haan, Boss, Theory, Reiss (coats), Vince, Eileen Fisher, Spanx, and Frame (denim and silk blouses)
- Ann Taylor – 50% off summer-ready styles
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 10% off new women's styles with code + sale up to 50% off
- Eloquii – 50-60% off select styles
- J.Crew – 60% off sale, and 40% off packing picks (prices as marked)
- J.Crew Factory – New arrivals, plus up to 60% off everything plus extra 50% off clearance
- Rothy's – Up to 50% off last-chance styles
- Spanx – Free shipping on everything
- Talbots – 30% off dresses, skirts, shoes and accessories
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- is imposter syndrome a real thing?
- talk to me about the estrogen patch for perimenopause
- where did you “learn to clean“?
- how do you travel light with business clothes?
- what do you answer if prospective dates ask you if you “like your job”?
- how gross is it to put spilt jam back in the container?
- how do you know if you're irritable from depression vs irritable from stuff being irritating?
- what are you doing for meals if you don't cook or barely cook?
Boots tucked into pants – can it be done in the office on any day other than casual Friday, with dark jeans?
What about boots in the office in general? I am thinking that pointy-toed black boots would look good with a skirt and sweater in biz-casual offices … then again, maybe not. It seems such a shame to only get to bust out the boots two days a week in the short boot season!
And – recommendations for high-quality, professional, but comfy under 1.5″ heel work shoes that come in black and beige?
I have been coveting these: http://www.zierashoes.com/Shoes/Styles/Dress/Posture/Greige-Suede-Blk-Patent
Ziera is a great quality brand from New Zealand.
I think if the Secretary of State can wear boots with her business suit, so can we. Go for it.
I love those flats! Especially the tan and black ones. And – good point with Secretary of State boots – I had completely forgotten about that outfit. Although IIRC, it caused something of a stir.
I think pants in boots is an incredibly casual look. If your office is casual enough, go for it. Mine is a place where you can get away with fleece and jeans, but I still wouldn’t wear pants tucked into boots.
And I disagree with the Secy of State comment — she got a lot of flack for her outfit, AND she is much more accomplished in her field than most of us. Very few people can (and should be able to) get away with what she could.
It’s so funny, as I was walking in to the office this morning I saw a woman wearing leggings and boots and thought to myself, “Nope, doesn’t work. Cute, but not professional.” If Condoleezza catches flak, I’m sure we mere mortals would, too.
Pants tucked into boots is a very casual look. However, I practically live in my knee high black boots in the winter. I wear them with skirt and suits whenever I’m not in trial. Many of my colleagues do the same. I think so long as the boot is classic and worn with the right length skirt, it is perfectly appropriate in a professional environment.
Any suggestions for rock-em-sock-em safe-for-winter (as in won’t make me fall down!) professional-looking quality black boots?
Look for boots with a rubber sole and thicker heel. Here are a couple options: http://www.6pm.com/sofft-oxford-black-velvet-sheep-nappa
http://www.zappos.com/product/7841176/color/72
http://www.6pm.com/j-renee-ryan-black-leather
I’ll probably post this again in the morning, but random question: how often do you ladies clean your trousers? I seriously hate dry cleaning and normally I handwash everything delicate, but I recently purchased 3 beautiful pairs of lined wool-blend trousers and a lined wool-blend suit. Because they’re lined in a different fabric, I’m hesitant to hand wash them. I also am not sure how I would press them, and especially how to press the suit jacket. I’ve worn each of the trousers probably 5-6 times. Is it gross to just keep wearing them more or less indefinitely? They pass the smell test and there are no spots or stains.
Thanks!
I’d recommend using Dryel if you want to freshen everything up. A lot of times just the steam from the process might remove any odors. If you don’t have the dryel, a lot of times you can just put a wet cloth in the dryer and it will have the same effect. I think you’re going to need to suck it up and go to the dry cleaner if they need a serious cleaning. There are plenty of eco-friendly cleaners out there if that is your main issue.