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 8/1/25 (Happy August!):
- Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale is open for everyone — here's our roundup! (ends 8/3)
- Ann Taylor – 50% off wear-now styles + $50 off dresses and shoes + extra 60% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – Up to 60% off plus extra 10% off sale — final reductions
- Eloquii – $19+ select styles + extra 45% off all sale
- Evereve – Sale on sale (thru Sunday)
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off summer styles + extra 50% off sale
- J.Crew Factory – 60% off everything and extra 60% off clearance
- M.M.LaFleur – 25% off all previous flash sale items! Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off.
- Rothy's – Final Few: up to 50% off
- Spanx – Free shipping on everything
- Talbots – 40% off one item + 25% off your entire purchase + extra 50% markdowns on top of that
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- how do I feel less overstimulated at work?
- how can I look more put-together/expensive?
- what's the best out-of-office message to show I'm not working?
- what are some comfortable fashion sneakers?
- what brands have minimalist clothes for a more casual office?
- how to store lots of accessories
- what are good products for sparse brows?
- what do you recommend for gifts for a friend who's eloping?
- 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?
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.