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I had a bevy of machine-washable dresses to post this week! There was this nice $34 one from Banana Republic Factory, and there was a new-to-me brand with a happy blue sheath dress…
… but NOW I see that Boden is having 25% off all full-price items, which is a pretty good sale for them. And they are one of the MOST reliable brands for washable workwear. (The 25% off sale ends tomorrow; after that it goes to 15% off. In the meantime, Nordstrom is price-matching…)
Their thick, stretchy Ottoman fabric (which I’d liken to ponte “but nicer”) is a great bet for washable workwear — and the dress pictured comes in a zillion colors, now priced between $55-$80.
Other reader favorites at Boden that are machine washable:
- Richmond pants (several lengths and cuts!)
- Their t-shirt blouses are all machine-washable — the Ravello has been around for years, with the pleated neckline; the Florence seems to be a new washable silk; the Carey has also been around for years.
- I believe all of their ponte sheath dresses are also machine washable.
Readers, what are your favorite things to get at Boden, either for yourself or for your family members? Do tell…
Sales of note for 3.28.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – Up to 40% off your full-price purchase; extra 50% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off everything plus extra 20% off purchase
- Eloquii – 50% off 2+ items; 40% off 1
- J.Crew – 50% off select styles
- Lands’ End – 10% off your order
- Loft – 50% off everything
- Nordstrom: Give $150 in gift cards, earn a $25 promo card (ends 3/31)
- Talbots – 40% off 1 item; 25% off everything else
- Zappos – 37,000+ women’s sale items! (check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kids’ shoe brands on sale)
Kid/Family Sales
- Carter’s – 50% off entire site
- Hanna Andersson – 30% off all swim; up to 30% off HannaJams
- J.Crew Crewcuts – 40% off sitewide; 50% off select swim; 50% off kids’ styles
- Old Navy – 50% off Easter deals
- Target – 20% off Easter styles for all; up to 30% off kitchen & dining; BOGO 50% off shoes & slippers for the family;
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And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- If you’re a working parent of an infant with low sleep needs, how do you function at work when you’re in the throes of baby’s sleep regression?
- Should I cut my childcare down to 12 hours a month if I work from home?
- Will my baby have speech delays if we raise her bilingual?
- Has anyone given birth in a teaching hospital?
- My child eats everything, and my friends’ kids do not – how should I handle? In general, what is the best way to handle when your child has some skill/ability and your friend’s child doesn’t have that skill/ability?
- ADHD moms, give me your tips to help with things like behavior in the classroom, attention to detail, etc?
- I think I suffer from mom rage…
- My husband and kids are gone this weekend – how should I enjoy my free time?
- I’m struggling to be compassionate with a SAHM friend who complains she doesn’t have enough hours of childcare.
- If you exclusively formula fed, what tips do you have for in the hospital and coming home?
- Could I take my 4-yo and 8-yo on a 7-8 day trip to Paris, Lyon, and Madrid?
Anonanonanon says
I have some elbow-length sleeved “fit and flare” dresses from Boden that I’ve had for 3 or 4 years that are the best. I’m pear-shaped and it’s hard to make fit and flare look professional, but these are the perfect length and the heavier fabric falls nicely. Always get compliments on them, and one of those with a blazer and heels is a go-to for me.
Anonymous says
They sound great! Do you remember the names of the specific dresses?
Anonanonanon says
Found the receipt in my email:
Maggie Ottoman Dress (I think that one was short-sleeved) and “Curve and Flare Dress” which is the one I have in 2 or 3 colors. Looks like I got them in 2016
Anonanonanon says
The Eve British Tweed Dress looks promising for pear-shaped folk like myself. If I were still regularly presenting in large meetings I would be VERY tempted!
Anonymous says
Thanks! Appreciate IRL reviews. Will check these out.
Anonanonanon says
I don’t know if they still make them, but here is an image https://images.app.goo.gl/f37DUuXAiw4u9Whg9
Anonymous says
Is Boden also bust friendly, like 36DD? This dress looks great and the v-neck doesn’t look that low.
Anon says
I haven’t tried the dresses, but the Carey top works for me at 38H in the 18 size.
anonamama says
The ottoman line of clothing at Boden is top-notch. Always flattering and comfortable! They have also held up to the occasional 12 hour workday. I have a larger chest, so I steer away from the v-neck, and at 5’7, often get the Long version for some extra length/comfort for work. I’ve been lucky enough to grab a few at Boden’s sample sale (worth googling to see if they have in your area) that are in a sheath style with a stand collar or boat neck. Poshmark and eBay are a trove of these, for past styles or colors. The jersey wrap dresses are great, too, worth sizing up for extra coverage.
Anon says
Do you know if Boden’s long sizes adjust the torso length or do they solely add inches to the bottom hem? Would love to be able to wear Boden.
anonamama says
I think so – judging by pocket length on a few I own – but I would double check with customer service– custserv at bodenusa dot com
Anonymous says
Sadly, they are just long in the skirt and not true tall sizes.
Anonymous says
Anyone looking for gift ideas- my husband found “The Ultimate Book of Cities” and our 4 year old loooooves it (like a modern Richard Scarry with lots of pop-ups and flaps and wheels in it). We live in a city so she loves to point out all the things we do. Also got a little card game called “Spot it” which has been really fun.
Anonanonanon says
Someone gifted us spot it (maybe a travel version?) years ago and it was unexpectedly fun! I should dig that out!
SC says
Thank you! The book looks like my 5 year old would love it! I see they also have a vehicle and construction site version, though we have enough vehicle books.
Anon says
these look great!
Anoner says
This book is a HUGE hit in our house. The only thing I didn’t love was the hearse!
AwayEmily says
Does anyone have waterproof sneakers that they like? Walks are the only exercise I get any more and my Asics aren’t going to cut it in the gross weather between fall and snow.
Merrels says
Any of the waterproof Merrells are great and super comfy. Very versatile too!
anon says
I haven’t tried them yet, but I’m planning to buy a pair of Brooks running shoes with Gore-tex, which they sell only during fall/winter.
Anon says
Do you think they’re light? I run and prefer extremely light sneakers. I would be open to more weight for waterproof, though!
Anonymous says
I think Allbirds now has waterproof sneakers. I have an old pair of waterproof new balances I love for muddy hiking. They are a sturdy sneaker, not hiking boot
Anonymous says
I like Merrill Moab for my wideish feet. Friends also have Keen or North Face waterproof sneakers they are happy with. Did you check if ASICS makes a waterproof shoe if you know that brand sizing works for you?
Anon says
I wear my Keen low hiking shoes.
Anonymous says
A lot of trail running shoes are waterproof, and will be lighter than waterproof hiking shoes.
AwayEmily says
Do you (or anyone else) have any specific recommendations for ones that really are waterproof? I got burned last year when I ordered a pair of Adidas trail running shoes that were supposed to be waterproof but were not at ALL (I wasn’t wading through puddles or anything — just stepped in a bit of slush and it seeped right in).
Anonymous says
DH runs in salmon trail runners and has had no issues. They even have winter ones that zip up over the ankle but are really light.
Anon says
Merrels are!
EB0220 says
I just ran through the snow in my Hoka trail running shoes and was surprised by how waterproof they were. I did 2 miles on a mix of hard packed and deep snow.
New Here says
Another family picture outfit request. We have pictures coming up in 2 weeks.
My daughter (10 mos) will be wearing her Christmas dress – a red corduroy bishop dress with wreaths smocked on it.
My husband will probably wear dark jeans, maybe a gray or tan/neutral sweater. The pictures are outside in an urban setting (so not like a Christmas tree farm or anything like that).
I’m hoping for a green dress or a somewhat nicer top. The issue is, I’m not really wanting to spend a lot of money. We obviously won’t be going to Christmas parties or anything, and I’m WFH for the foreseeable future (and we’re a casual office at that). I’m also in the midst of trying to lose the baby weight (plus the 30 I was trying to lose before I got pregnant). I’m wanting something a little nicer than an ON swing dress, but the ON/Loft/Gap price point is what I’m looking for. I have a few Amazon dresses on the way, but I thought I’d check here for recs.
New Here says
I should add – I’m a 40DDD, 5’2 and curvy-ish. I’m currently wearing a 14 in pants, and either a large or XL in tops, depending on the cut.
anonamama says
what about a cape/scarf? you could put one on over a turtleneck/jeans, tunic/leggings, plain sweaterdress to get the look you want. a couple below, as well as some (trendy-skewing) dresses
https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Brand-Goodthreads-Womens-Blackwatch/dp/B07QKTDBTT/ref=asc_df_B07QKTDBTT/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366323683324&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13441945136849898640&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9059132&hvtargid=pla-812135535768&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=76464294415&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366323683324&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13441945136849898640&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9059132&hvtargid=pla-812135535768
https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Tartan-Blanket-Checked-Pashmina/dp/B075DCBT6B/ref=pd_lpo_641_t_2/141-7370120-2259704?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B075DCBT6B&pd_rd_r=8334928d-e73e-4a75-9249-8aba775ac58b&pd_rd_w=2DvU2&pd_rd_wg=7sRs7&pf_rd_p=eba84458-d862-45eb-bb57-06592e30f645&pf_rd_r=PXGSWB8VKWKDVNZ12D50&psc=1&refRID=PXGSWB8VKWKDVNZ12D50
https://factory.jcrew.com/p/womens-clothing/hats/scarves/plaid-capescarf/H2857?color_name=black-natural-check&noPopUp=true
https://www.target.com/p/women-s-long-sleeve-tie-waist-shirtdress-a-new-day/-/A-80847519?preselect=80315343#lnk=sametab
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Scoop-Women-s-Printed-Wrap-Maxi-Dress-with-Long-Sleeves/132317761
https://www.target.com/p/women-s-high-neck-long-sleeve-tiered-dress-a-new-day/-/A-80813600?preselect=80235815
ElisaR says
i feel like loft often has forgiving dresses and with the constant sales (only buy on sale!) they run they can get pretty reasonably priced.
AnotherAnon says
A friend of mine always hits it out of the park with her Amazon dresses. Failing that, maybe try Modcloth, Lulus or Vicidolls for dresses. I have good luck with Loft and Gap shirts, but haven’t seen anything recently that looks like what you’re hunting. Good luck!
ChicWish Green Dress says
At a slightly higher price point and I can’t speak to quality as I’ve never ordered from this company, but I got a targeted ad for this dress and really liked the color and style:
https://www.chicwish.com/satin-button-down-wrap-midi-dress-in-dark-green.html
anonamama says
Original comment stuck in mod, but what about a cape/scarf over an existing outfit? You could wear a basic outfit you feel comfortable in (turtleneck and jeans, tunic and leggings) and add a pretty topper. Goodthreads on Amazon has a nice blackwatch plaid one, J. crew factory has two plaid styles and Nordstrom rack has some pretty wool ones in solid colors.
Passwords says
How do y’all keep track of your passwords? My husband had an old school paper sheet. I used to reuse the same one for almost everything that wasn’t work related (I know, I know) but have recently realized that’s not exactly smart. But I can’t remember all of these different passwords!
anne-on says
On the advice of our IT department I use a passcode and then modify at the end. So for example, your passcode may be “Go Army Beat Navy” = G@BN and then for gmail it might be G@BN@GM1 or G@BN##GM1, for sephora it might be G@BN@S1, make sense?
It’s MUCH easier to remember a passcode than a series of numbers and letters!
Anonymous says
Hmm I work in IT also and this doesn’t strike me as a good idea. It’s better than using the exact same password across every account, but the example you gave doesn’t have a lot of diversity of symbols or numbers compared to a randomly generated password and the s1te-specific extensions like “@GM” are logical and pretty easy for someone to guess. Ideally you want a password to be longer than this too – many places require at least 8 characters and 12 or 16 is ideal. Why wouldn’t you just use a password manager so you could have strong randomly generated passwords for everything?
Anonymous says
Cybersecurity pro here: I have an old school paper sheet for important ones (my personal email, banking) that I keep in our firesafe. Otherwise I have about 10 “base” passwords and a specific modification I use that denotes the site. I have a list in my paper planner with a hint as to which base password I used for that site. Reputable password managers are also fine, just be really careful if you ever use a shared computer.
The reason you shouldn’t reuse your passwords on multiple sites is to protect against a specific type of attack called credential stuffing. Basically, every time some consumer site gets hacked and passwords are breached, they’re dumped somewhere on the web. Other hackers grab those lists and automate trying all of them against other consumer sites. This is how LOTS of accounts get compromised. From the standpoint of defending against this specific type of attack, as long as your passwords are not exactly the same, you’re fine. If someone is targeting YOU specifically, sure, your similar passwords will be easy to guess. But that’s pretty rare in the grand scheme of things. Most hackers are going after low-hanging fruit, not customizing their brute force password guesser to one particular person.
+ a million to using long passwords, irrespective of complexity with #s or special characters. I use dictionary words, I use lots of them. The more sensitive the account, the longer your password should be. My email password is 20+ characters (and requires 2 factor, which you should always use if it’s an option)
Anon says
2 factor is garbage; there has to be a better way. It’s inefficient, frequently buggy, and presents all kinds of access issues.
Anon says
LastPass.
Anon says
Same
Boston Legal Eagle says
+1.
Anonymous says
+1
AwayEmily says
Get a password manager! Seriously, it will change your life. The setup takes a bit of effort but then it is amazing. I use 1Password. Wirecutter has a good review of all the options.
Anon says
Agee to use a password manager. I am also a cybersecurity pro and wouldn’t recommend pattern-based passwords – I’ve personally exploited those before to log into other accounts. Firsthand knowledge that a lot of people use the same pattern for personal and business. That is better than using the same password for everything but you really want to using completely different passwords.
TheElms says
When do toddler feet slow down growing? When kiddo started walking at 11 ish months she was in a size 3.5. She is now 17 months and in a size 7. So we’ve had shoes in size 3.5, 4, 5, 6 and now 7 in the last 6 months. She is being fitted at a kids shoe store and this is getting frustrating for me because it seems like every 6 weeks her shoes don’t fit again. (And expensive because she typically has 2 pairs of shoes in each size so that if she soaks her shoes playing in damp grass in the morning she has dry shoes when she goes out to play in the afternoon.) Does this slow down anytime soon?
Anonymous says
My kid’s feet have grown much slower than this (she’s in size 8 at almost 3, despite being tall), but I would definitely buy a size up. I don’t think it’s a big deal to have the shoes be a little long, and then you can get more use out of them. We typically skip sizes that way, eg., when the 8s get tight we will buy 10s.
Anon says
this does not mesh with my experience with my twins, who at age 2.5 probably get new shoes every 6 months. i typically get them one good pair as their primary pair and then another less expensive pair as back up. maybe your kid’s feet just grow super quickly? or maybe try a diff kid’s shoe store. when i first took my kids to be measured i was pleasantly surprised when they told me that their old pair still fit and did not need a new one yet. it was nice that they just didnt try to sell me something
TheElms says
I thought I was potentially being had, so I bought a kid’s foot measurer to double check and kiddos feet are definitely growing this fast. And after about 6 weeks it is just really hard to get her shoes on and closed because they are legit too small. Maybe now that she is a bit older and a confident walker I’ll buy a size up. I was chicken to do that when she was less confident in case it made her more prone to falling. I’d rather spend money on shoes than a trip to the emergency room if she falls and hits her head.
NYCer says
I would recommend buying shoes with a little bit of extra length. My daughter is 20 months (and very tall) and still wears a size 6. We bought her size 5s when she started walking at about 11 months, and then moved up to size 6 about 6 months later. She is still wearing the 6s now.
Anon says
Apparently there’s not much correlation between height and foot size, at least in kids. My daughter is very tall and has tiny feet, and our ped said height isn’t really a predictor of foot size. I’ve wondered if that’s why my DD walked so late (like maybe her center of gravity was just too high or something?) but I have no idea if there’s any truth to that.
Anonymous says
We were buying new shoes constantly for several years but at age 5.5 kiddo has now been in size 1 for a year. So maybe by kindergarten it’ll slow down? (Both my kids were in size 6 by 12 months though.)
Anon says
My 3 year old goes up about a size and a half every 3-4 months and has consistently since she got her first pair at around 13 months. I get her fitted for her daily sneakers at a kids shoe store and they’re good about saying “this fits her now but may not in a month, so let’s go up a half size” or whatever to keep me on that track. In a COVID world, I’ve just bought the same shoes she has in that size and a half up when I notice her old ones are getting tight in the toe box. For her casual “fun” shoes I just guess and err on the side of sizing up so she gets more wear out of them; because they are not her daily shoe I am less fussed (also why I go for less expensive shoes for these, mostly target and see kai run basics, totes cirrus rain boots and cat and jack).
Anon says
And for context, her first pair was a 5.5 and she is now in a 10.5-11. I bought 12s for snow boots for this winter, hoping they will last until next winter.
AwayEmily says
This makes me think my kids have tiny feet, my almost-3yo is in 7s and my 4.5yo just switched to 9s.
Anonymous says
As the parent above with the 5 year old in 1s, and a 26 month old in 9.5s, I’ve learned that (1) my kids have huge feet and (2) it literally doesn’t matter at all what size feet kids have (after I had some random mom anxiety about how abnormally large their feet are). I also have large feet and it affects me not at all other than that 10.5 is hard to find in a brick and mortar store.
Anon says
Agree – the 3YO above is mine and she has her daddy’s feet. I wear a 9.5 or 10 normal and he is in a 16 triple wide, so she will likely end up in women’s clown shoes by high school if I had to guess. She’s also in size 7-8 in clothes already, so overall she’s just a bigger kid (much like her parents).
Cb says
After delivering my son, I looked over to where he was being weighed and said ‘That baby has giant feet!’ It remains true.
Boston Legal Eagle says
My 2 year old is in 6s and my 4.5 year old (boy) is in between 8s and 9s, so you’re not alone! They seem average to me. Husband and I both have average-slightly above avg shoes sizes.
Anonymous says
Maybe she’s just growing her feet early? My very tall kids were not size 7 until close to 3.
My youngest is not yet 2.5, 90% for height and still a size 6.
Anon says
Help with 1st birthday gifts for a second kid? Budget is $25-50. My friend’s older child is close in age to my kid (3), so I feel like we’ve sent all our favorite books and toys to that kid, and it feels repetitive to send the same stuff to the second kid. The kids share all the big stuff, like a play kitchen and climbing equipment. The parents are really against anything that encourages girls to conform to gender stereotypes, so dolls and accessories (which I remember being a big hit for my kid around that age) are out.
Boston Legal Eagle says
The Fisher Price piggy bank has been my now 2 year old’s most played with toy since he got it for his first birthday. Link to follow.
Boston Legal Eagle says
https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Laugh-Stages-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B00OZAI56M/ref=asc_df_B00OZAI56M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241983601412&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8472315350591884180&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001854&hvtargid=pla-569923027919&psc=1
Anon says
something else for the play kitchen? shopping cart? the fisher price caring for animals farm set was a huge hit with my twins between ages 1-2 and is still a hit at 2.5
GCA says
From that age, my 2nd would play (supervised) with her brother’s Magnatiles for ever. She also loved (loves!) all sorts of water play, mostly pouring and scooping, so a set of stacking cups, measuring spoons, and floaty toys that could be used for water play might be a nice present.
Anon says
New bath toys? DD loves her brio train set which is something both kids could conceivably play with. DD at 3 loves the Melissa and Doug slice and bake cookie set if they don’t have that (we just got a play kitchen this year). Otherwise what about a new hooded character bath towel, or beach towel with kid’s name on it? That stuff gets grungy for the second kid. DD also has a name puzzle she really likes that she got for her first birthday.
Anon says
I really like the BToys Pull Back Cars as a 1st bday gift for both boys and girls. Whenever I give them, the parents report it’s one of the most-loved items even into the 3rd year. I usually pair that with a Vtech or LeapFrog toy phone (or TV remote, which almost always gets used like a phone) to help “teach” numbers and colors but also cause-and-effect of pushing buttons and getting a sound.