Weekend Open Thread
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Something on your mind? Chat about it here.
I like these fun scribble flats for the weekend — the pink, the scribble, the soft rubber. Nice. They're $80 at Shopbop. Melissa + Campana Scribble Flats
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P.S. Don't forget that Administrative Assistant's Day is April 24th (this coming Wednesday) — check out our last poll on what to get your assistant.
Sales of note for 5/30/25:
- Nordstrom – The Half-Yearly Sale has begun! See our full roundup here. 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)
- Nordstrom Rack – Refurbished Dyson hairdryers down to $199-$240 (instead of $400+) + Father's Day gifts up to 60% off
- Ann Taylor – 25% off tops & sweaters + extra 30% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – Sale extended: 50-70% off everything + extra 25% off
- Boden – 1100+ sale items!
- Eloquii – $25+ select styles + extra 50% off all sale
- J.Crew – Up to extra 50% off select sale styles, and women's shorts, tees and more from $24.50
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
- M.M.LaFleur – Lots of twill suiting in the sale section! Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
- Rothy's – Up to 30% off everything
- Spanx – Free shipping on everything
- Talbots – Select summer styles marked 25-40% off
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- what should I pick for our company-branded conference swag?
- what non-sneaker shoes can you walk a mile in?
- I'm 31 and feel like my life is too stagnant…
- which emojis fill you with rage?
- how can I make house guests more comfortable?
- my friend is at her wit's end with her SAHP
- when is it time to quit therapy?
- why is it so hard to stay on top of school communications for my teen?
- what hobbies or skills do you wish you'd picked up during the pandemic?
- how can I better enjoy domestic business travel?
- older parents: what actually mattered and what didn't with your kids?
- am I being petty by wanting to delete all of my how-to-do-this-job guides before I quit?
I work for a large non profit advocacy organization in Chicago, worked for a similar one in Boston for ten years. The way that women here dress for major meetings, presentations etc. is so foreign to me, and I am not sure if it is regional difference or something else. By far the most common item worn for something like a presentation to the Board, meeting with external funders etc. is a dress and a cardigan. Floral dresses/ other bright prints and wrap dresses are common. My wardrobe is primarily comprised of Jcrew pants suits, solid color cashmere/wool sweaters, and silk button down blouses. I feel like I look like I am going to work and many of my colleagues look like they are going to a wedding or on a date. They look very pretty/cute. I wouldn’t describe my appearance in that way.
No one has said anything negative to me, I get along with colleagues and I have been doing very well and feel quite respected in the office. But in some respects, I stick out. For me, I don’t like those type of clothes and don’t plan to change. But it is noticeable and sort of uncomfortable. Wondering if anyone has had this experience/can shed some light. Thanks!
Your outfits sound pretty much beyond reproach. If full suits make you feel conspicuous, then I’d follow the cue and collect a few nice cardigans. Can’t go wrong pairing them with your silk blouses and suit trousers (besides in front of some very conservative judges, as we’ve discussed).
Statement jewelry and fun shoes could be an easy way to lessen the formality of your outfits as compared to your colleagues.