Weekend Open Thread
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Sales of note for 7/15:
- Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale has started! Here's our big roundup of what to get first, as well as everything we've selected thus far.
- Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it's a great separate)
- Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
- The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
- J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
- J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
- Lululemon – Summer sale!
- Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added)
- M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
- Talbots – Red Door Sale! Prices start at $15
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:

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.