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This machine washable dress from Boden looks fabulous — nice ladylike hemline, flattering fit-and-flare shape, and a high neckline. It’s available in a variety of colors, all on sale (which, alas, means limited sizes). It’s $96-$110. Boden Westminster Dress
Psst: In case you missed it, we rounded up washable work pants last week at Corporette.
(L-2)
Sales of note for 9.10.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; up to 50% off everything else
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off wear-to-work styles; extra 30% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything; extra 60% off clearance
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Loft – Extra 40% off sale styles
- Talbots – BOGO 50% everything, includes markdowns
- Target – Car-seat trade-in event through 9/28 — bring in an old car seat to get a 20% discount on other baby/toddler stuff.
- Zappos – 26,000+ 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 – Birthday sale, 40-50% off & extra 20% off select styles
- Hanna Andersson – Up to 50% off all baby; up to 40% off all Halloween
- J.Crew Crewcuts – Extra 30% off sale styles
- Old Navy – 40% off everything
- Target – BOGO 25% off select haircare, up to 25% off floor care items; up to 30% off indoor furniture up to 20% off TVs
See some of our latest articles on CorporetteMoms:
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And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- The concept of “backup care” is so stupid…
- I need tips on managing employees in BigLaw who have to leave for daycare pickup…
- I’m thinking of leaning out to spend more time with my family – how can I find the perfect job for that?
- I’m now a SAHM and my husband needs to step up…
- How can I change my thinking to better recognize some of my husband’s contributions as important, like organizing the shed?
- What are your tips to having a good weekend with kids, especially with little kids? Do you have a set routine or plan?
Merabella says
I just have to give a shout out for this book: Parents Need to Eat Too: Nap-Friendly Recipes, One-Handed Meals, and Time-Saving Kitchen Tricks for New Parents. I started reading it last night, and the recipes all sound delicious, easy to make, and she does great things like break things down into nap segments. She also has a section devoted to working moms, which has some good tips.
KJ says
Thanks for the recommendation! I have been struggling with dinner inspiration lately.
V says
Any chance it contains lots of veggie non-egg-based recipes?
Merabella says
There seemed to be a fair amount of veggie options.
Shayla says
I was reading an article this morning that stated, “The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family.”
What do you all think it means to invest money into your family? Because I actually am curious. Is it saving for college? Paying for school? Paying for books?
Here’s the article if you would like more context: http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/losing-my-religion-for-equality-20090714-dk0v.html
Jen says
better $ to live in a town with better schools? paying to participate in sports/club programs? lessons?
just some add’l ways my kids suck my money…..
Pigpen's Mama says
I assumed he was focusing on women/families in developing nations, based on the rest of the article, so things like better food, better shelter, basic/better education.
For me, it would be what you and Jen mentioned, along with a general sense of security that an unexpected repair bill or health scare is cushioned by savings and a generous cash flow.
KJ says
+1 I don’t think this is referring to upper middle class people in developed nations.
RDC says
Ditto – that’s how I’d interpret the article. In developing countries, it could mean things like vaccines, malaria bednets and deworming meds, school books and uniforms, healthy food.
Nonny says
+1. In fact, this is a big focus for me in my volunteer life.
Take a look at this video (work friendly):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=23&v=WIvmE4_KMNw
Litigatrix says
Hi ladies! I am hoping that someone can give me some advice. We are flying with our 8 month old in a few weeks and I am nervous about it! Any tips for success? We will be on a Southwest flight and it won’t be too long (1.5 hours). He will be in our laps. What should we check versus buy at our destination? We have a stroller, car seat, pack n’ play, small high chair (but will probably just buy one at our destination and leave it at the grandparents’ house). Any tips for keeping a baby calm during the flight and managing the altitude changes in his ears? Thank you!
mascot says
I’d buy a pack n play and high chair at the destination. Kids consignment stores are great for this.
Katarina says
I second this. If the baby is in an infant car seat I would check it as soon as possible. I personally would skip the stroller if not. Either way I recommend wearing the baby in the airport. If you are nursing, I highly recommend nursing during takeoff and/or landing. Other methods of sucking are also useful, such as giving a bottle or pacifier. Bring some new small toys for the flight, and plenty of snacks. I have heard it recommended to skip naps so the baby will sleep on the flight, but this spectacularly backfired on me.
Pigpen's Mama says
I flew with my daughter when she was almost 3 months and almost 7 months. She didn’t appear to have a problem with air pressure, but I kept a bottle (or nursed if she was in our laps) or pacifier for her.
I’d gate check stroller and carseat, you don’t have to pay for it, there may be a chance they have an open seat for your baby, and I’ve heard there is less chance of damage to them. Wear your baby through security, though, if that’s something that you and baby are comfortable with.
I bought diapers, wipes, formula, and food at our destination, but had twice what I needed for the flight.
I put a few diapers, a disposable changing pad, some wipes in a baggie, and a change of clothes in a big gallon ziplock (I think I had two for a 4+ hour flight) so I just had that to take with me to the bathroom. Take a small toy in there with you as well. If they do have a changing table (over the toilet) it’s pretty small and there are a lot of things for baby to reach for.
KJ says
1) Get the Lucie’s List ebook on flying with a baby. It’s got tons of great tips and only costs a couple of bucks.
2) Unless you will be traveling there frequently, I would look into renting baby equipment while you are at the grandparents. That has worked out really well for us.
3) We have made things easier on ourselves by using Amazon or Diapers.com to ship diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food ahead to our destination.
RDC says
When we traveled, the grandparents were also able to borrow a lot of gear (pack n play, swing) from their other grandparent friends. And +1 to shipping diapers ahead, those take up a lot of space.
blueridge29 says
I agree, ship diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and see if grandparents can borrow a swing, highchair or other big items. You want to fly with as few items as possible. Southwest may be friendly but some airlines don’t even allow parents with babies to board early.
EB0220 says
We typically buy a pack n play at the destination. We’ve never bothered with a high chair, but if that’s a necessity I would buy it as well. We always borrow a car seat or rent one from the rental car company. I would probably buy a cheap stroller as well if you really need one, but we usually leave the stroller at home and wear the baby in the airport and at the destination. I definitely recommend wearing the baby in a soft structured carrier at the airport. For takeoff/landing/altitude changes: nursing/bottles, sucking on a pacifier. I flew many times with my daughter when she was around that age, and she did really well. It was 1.5-2 that was hard!
I also pack just enough food, diapers, wipes and formula (if needed) to get through the flight+ some margin for delays. We then go to the store (or send family in advance) to buy the rest of what we need while there. This saves a lot of space.
Litigatrix says
Thanks everyone! That is really helpful. This may be a silly question, but you can bring powdered formula through security? Or a bottle already mixed?
Katarina says
You can bring either/both.
EB0220 says
I actually suggest bringing the powder in its original container. I think a bottle of formula that can be opened and tested is also fine (but know that they may open and test it). I would not use the pre-mixed formula in cartons. I tried that once and they insisted that I open the containers so the formula could be tested. I eventually convinced them that it was’t necessary but my baby almost had no formula for the flight.
Pogo says
I saw this happen to a family when I flew recently. What the heck is the point of the “family and medical liquids” lane if they make you open and test all your liquids so that they’re no longer sealed/sterile? The poor mom, she had two kids under the age of 4 or so with her and she already looked miserable.
CHJ says
1.5 hours is a great length for a first flight. He will probably be so interested in all of the people and the things on the plane that the flight will be over in no time. On Southwest, I’d sit near the back if you can, because there will probably be more space to spread out. Everyone seems to cram into those first rows on Southwest.
For baby stuff, I’d send a big order from Diapers.com or Amazon with all the diapers and wipes (and anything else you want, like baby food or shampoo) so you don’t have to buy them when you arrive.
My parents have one of these booster seats, which is great for storing at grandparents’ house:
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Booster-Seat-Green-Blue/dp/B00CSAWIOQ/ref=pd_cp_ba_1
We also keep a Pack & Play and car seat at their house so we don’t have to travel with them.
And definitely wear the baby through the airport – so nice to have your hands free!
Meg Murry says
I was also going to recommend a booster seat that you strap to a chair instead of a true highchair – way easier to store away, and has a long usage life as a booster at the regular table. If your kiddo isn’t a secure sitter and you need one that tilts, this one works too, but its pricier and bulkier to store. http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Space-Saver-Chair-Sorbet/dp/B005IWM9BS
Or suggest your parents ask if any of their friends/neighbors/church community also have kids or grandchildren and have one they could borrow. We loan our spare booster, carseat and pack and play to our neighbor 2x a year when their grandkids visit, and they greatly appreciate it and pay us back in baked goods and babysitting.
MNF says
If you’re not renting a car and depending on the GPs for the transportation during your visit, they can borrow a car seat from AAA if they’re members. My mother did this for my nephew’s visit at Christmas and they even put the car seat in the car for her.
RDC says
And that’s a great age to fly, incidentally. Don’t be nervous. Even if the baby cries, with all the noise o the plane, not that many people will hear it. We flew with our baby a number of times between 4 and 12 weeks and he did great – the white noise put him right to sleep. Everyone was surprisingly helpful and friendly – a flight attendant even announced it was our baby’s first flight during his pre-takeoff announcements.
Chi Squared says
Instead of dragging the carseat with you through the airport, you could buy a Cosco Scenera Next for $45 from Wal-Mart, and have it shipped to your destination. It also makes an great travel carseat for the toddler years – really lightweight, easy to install, and you can make the front tether into a built-in shoulder strap. We added some foam underneath the fabric b/c it didn’t have much padding.
I’d also recommend having your travel companion get on the plane first and save you a seat, and then be the last/close to last person on the plane. The less time with a restless baby in your lap, the better! Do a diaper change right before you get on the plane. Also, you can travel with liquids for a child/infant. Here is the TSA policy:
tsa dot gov backslash traveler-information backslash traveling-children
I 2nd Meg Murry’s suggestion of the fisher price booster seat.
Maddie Ross says
Just going to quickly add that Southwest is totally the best for traveling with lap children. You get to board between A and B, so you know you’ll get seats together. And if the plane isn’t full, you can easily get an extra seat next to you for them to either sit in (or even put the carrier in if an infant), or just to have the extra elbow room. Just ask at the gate about whether it’s full. 1.5 hours is really a piece of cake flight. IMO, take your car seat and stroller to the gate with you (either for baby, or to use to schlep other luggage). Once they get out of the infant seat, check the larger car seat ahead of time. It doesn’t count as a piece of luggage on SW.
Litigatrix says
Thank you everyone so much for all of the advice! You are all calming my nerves about this (first time Mom)!
Spirograph says
You already have good advice on the logistics, but I just want to add : Bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate or shot records. Even if your child is OBVIOUSLY under 2, they will want documents as proof. It’s just a Southwest policy. Ask me how I know. *eyeroll*
Nursing Tops says
Looking for some nursing tops to wear at night that don’t require a bra but will hold nursing pads in place. Does something like this even exist? I am a busty 34F and imagine I will be bigger after delivery when milk comes in, but I hate wearing bras to sleep! What did you all wear to sleep while nursing?
POSITA says
Nursing tanks were the best. I wore them 24/7. Target has some good ones for sleeping.
Meg Murry says
Yup, nursing tanks are the best for this, although you’ll still have some nursing pads that will slide around. One of my friends leaked very heavily at night and would put a dishtowel or (never used as a diaper) cloth diaper insert in the shelf tank part of her nursing bra.
Sleep nursing bras exist, but I always fell out of them, so probably not worth bothering with.
RDC says
Also love nursing tanks. Bravado comes in bra sizing so I think you could find a size that works. The pads slide around but I’ve never leaked so much it was an issue. I’ve heard of ladies sleeping on top of a towel though for that reason.
CPA Lady says
I tried the bravado ones– I’d recommend sizing up one in the band if you can. I’m a 32F, and got the 32F bravado tank and found it to be very tight and difficult to take off and put on. The problem is that there is not a clasp on the internal bra thing, so you have to be able to pull the elastic band over your enormous, painful, milky boobs. They were tight enough that if I managed to sleep 4 or 5 hours in a row it made my boobs really hurt. That said, during the day the tanks were very flattering and they do provide firm support, and tended to keep the nursing pads in place.
I also got some $10-15 nursing bras (loving moments cami nursing bra) from walmart of all places, that ended up being what I slept in the most, with a button front pj top over them. They are super stretchy and didn’t hurt as my milk level changed. They were not particularly supportive, but they were good to sleep in.
What I found to be really helpful was to use the inserts that come with most sports bras, stick the nursing pads to those, and then put them in my nursing bra or cami. I could never just stick the nursing pad to my bra or cami without them getting bunched up.
EB0220 says
Yep, nursing tanks. Just size up for to make the shelf bra less restrictive. I have about 10 in black and gray from Target and they have help up well.
Carine says
Help please! I am 5 weeks 5 days pregnant after trying for almost a year and I’m anxiously awaiting my first scan to check development/heartbeat, which is not for another week. I tested too early and found out TWO WEEKS ago, and I have been so distracted and consumed by whether the pregnancy is progressing, I’m driving myself crazy. I keep thinking about two of my close friends who miscarried their second pregnancies. With a full week to go until the scan, can anyone give me some perspective that will help me chill out? So far, I’ve got these points:
1) We may not get good news, or we could get uncertain news that would just kick off more waiting. Try to enjoy the not knowing, because knowing may be worse.
2) Having been pregnant before with no complications, I have no reason to think I won’t be able to carry a healthy baby to term.
3) I shouldn’t be wishing away the days. If this pregnancy continues and we have another baby, that means our days as our current (and awesome!) family of three are numbered. I certainly hope our family will just get more awesome with the arrival of another kid, but it will definitely be different. We’re also in this sweet spot where it’s not just work and baby any more–I’ve been volunteering a lot, getting out with friends, being active, reading books regularly! Another baby will make that kind of balance much more challenging, if it’s even possible in the next year or two.
Just writing these out has me feeling a little better! Thanks in advance for any thoughts/advice that might help me reason through my anxiety.
CPA Lady says
Speaking as a crazy anxious person, while I was in the waiting period before I could go to the doctor, I took one of those “date your conception” tests. The kind where you pee on a stick and it says “3 weeks +” or whatever. It can help you know if your hormone level is comparable to what it should be based on how long you’ve been pregnant. I figured I’d rather have an idea that I’d get bad news, rather than finding out at the doctor’s office. The test said I was as pregnant as I thought I was, and now I have a happy and sweet little 6 month old.
Lyssa says
I don’t have any real advice other than what you already said, but I just want you to know that I completely understand and was the exact same way. It didn’t stop after the viability scan, either, for me – I would feel better for about 2 weeks after each appointment, then start to feel more and more nervous as the next one approached. So, you’re normal (or we’re both nutty, but I think it’s the first one). Thank goodness that now I have a constant stream of kicks to remind me that she’s OK in there.
PregLawyer says
Ditto to this. I didn’t relax (and still really haven’t) until I felt kicks on a daily basis.
BKDC says
Especially during pregnancy, it is so hard not to get caught up in the “what ifs.” I think it is completely normal. From one anxious mama to another, I recommend just trying to enjoy the moment, because if something is indeed wrong, it’s going to suck whether you’re prepared for it or not. I held off on getting on waitlists, etc., because I was so worried about viability. In retrospect, I would have been better served by assuming that things were going fine rather than trying to prepare for the worst. Statistically, things are going to be A-OK. Just stay away from the Google. Those early weeks are rough, especially, if you’re like me, you’ve had no symptoms but a missed period.
I think what you’re going through is perfectly normal, but learn from my mistakes — don’t assume the worst!
Mom-to-be says
This is totally normal! I’m in week 30 now, but I went crazy in the early days! What helped me was to read Emily Oster’s book “Expecting Better.” She has a whole chapter on some of the causes of miscarriage and why some women were more likely to miscarry. I thought I wouldn’t like reading that, but it made me feel SO MUCH BETTER. There’s a long history of miscarriages in my family (I’m an only child, and my mom had several, and her sister had like 5), so I was really scared. But my little girl is cooking away at 30 weeks now, doing totally great.
Lyssa says
Hey! I’m 30 weeks with a little girl, too. Due 6/17, how about you?
Mom-to-be says
Mine is due 6/19! Maybe they’ll be future ‘Rette buddies. :)
Lyssa says
Yay!
JEB says
I had to constantly remind myself that there was nothing I could do, other than be healthy and follow the typical recommendations. If something was going to go wrong, it was out of my control. Pregnancy was the biggest exercise in faith for me because really, there’s not much you can control (again, beyond the typical recommendations). For me, that was a religious concept of faith, but I think that could easily apply in a non-religious context as well (faith in your own body, etc.)
That may not be helpful, as it’s not exactly a suggestion of how to make the wait better. But constantly reminding myself of this somehow made things a little easier for me. When we heard the heartbeat for the first time, it was such a relief, but then I would allow myself to start worrying about the next exam, the next diagnostic test, the heartbeat at each appointment, etc. Like I said, I had to remind myself often of the lack of control, and somehow it helped. As a control freak, this was difficult but also surprisingly freeing for me.
From what you said, it doesn’t sound like you have a history of losses or known risk factors, so try to also remind yourself that the vast majority of pregnancies are healthy and successful. I can see how this might be difficult, seeing as two of your friends recently experienced losses, so those feelings are very real and raw at this particular moment. I often had to remind myself that we usually hear more of the bad stories, whereas in reality, the success stories of pregnancy FAR outnumber the losses/complications. So the odds of a viable pregnancy are in your favor.
Good luck, and congrats!!
Pigpen's Mom says
+1 — although I’m not religious. I just kept telling myself that there wasn’t anything I could do to save the pregnancy if something was inherently wrong. Obviously, I did try to be as healthy as possible and follow my doctor’s guidelines, but other than that, I just tried to let go of my need for control.
I’m less than a year into this parenting thing, but it’s good practice for when the baby gets here too.
I did hold my breath before every ultrasound and heartbeat check and watched my phone obsessively when I was waiting for results.
(former) preg 3L says
Today is just one of those days, ladies. Can’t stop crying at my desk. Any pick-me-ups? Zooborns doesn’t do it for me.
Nonny says
I’m really sorry to hear that. Hugs.
How is the weather? Do you have time for a 10-minute brisk walk around the block in some fresh air? That usually helps me a lot.
(former) preg 3L says
It’s overcast and threatening to rain. But you’re right, I should really step out.
Nonny says
Put on your coat, get out there, breathe in deeply, and get that blood flowing. No-one will miss you for 10 minutes. Bonus points for stopping at Starb*cks or similar on your way back.
FVNC says
I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. This may not work since you’re in an office, but is there any way to just let yourself really cry for 10 or 15 minutes? For me, trying to stop myself from crying just makes me more focused on the crap that is causing it in the first place. But if I can have my own little full-on meltdown for 10 minutes, I usually feel better afterward. Barring that, I agree with fresh air and a little treat for yourself.
Frozen Peach says
I’ve been there!! Can you step out and get a cookie, an apple, or something else to spike your blood sugar a bit? I’ve been amazed at how much that can help.
(former) preg 3L says
Thanks ladies. I made plans for tonight so maybe that will help.
PregAnon says
This was me yesterday, and it was threatening to rain and even sprinkling a little, and the walk with the cool breeze and raindrops helped! Also…hugs!
Mid-rise shorts with elastic in the waist or some stretch says
Can anyone recommend any mid-rise shorts (maybe with some elastic in the waist) that are about 5-7″ in the legs? I have a bit of a tummy, but enormous hips for my waist, so nothing seems to stay up. I’m not pregnant, but am missing maternity shorts and am thinking about buying some (some of the more stealth before & after ones that would only fit someone who is not very pregnant or is postpartum). BAD BAD BAD, but I don’t care. Cannot find regular shorts that will stay up from regular stores. Anything else that works (Athleta skorts!) are good, but too athletic-looking and I just need some regular weekend clothes.
Meg Murry says
I can’t recommend a specific short to you, because I have pretty much given up on them. My weekend wear is jersey knit skirts with elastic waist in an A-line or very loose and flowy style, with capri or knee length leggings underneath so I can run after my kids without flashing anyone. Looks like I give a care, feels comfy.
I have a pair of Old Navy Capri pants that have a stretchy waistband and a drawstring but that aren’t maternity – maybe you can find something in that style?
mascot says
Try LLBean; they have some of the hidden comfort waist style shorts. I feel like I also had a few pairs from Caslon? The Old Navy perfect short is also cut pretty generously in the hips.
NewMomAnon says
I just got my annual reviews back and I’m sitting at my desk with tears running down my face….it’s been a really tough couple of years with lots of transitions, and all of my reviewers made a special note about how hard I’ve worked to learn and grow during this time, or how hard I’ve worked to bounce back from the tough stuff. I hadn’t realized that anyone else noticed that. And I feel so supported and kind of….loved? And most of them noted that I should feel comfortable having more confidence in my own judgment and skills, which feels really good.
My review is tomorrow. And now I know I’m probably going to cry during it, and that everyone will probably forgive me for that.
In a related question that would probably horrify the main site – how much peanut butter is too much to wear to an annual review meeting? My only dark suit has a light smear of little peanut butter fingerprints and no time to dry clean. My other options are (1) a lighter suit I’ve already worn this week or (2) a lighter, “trendy” suit (from 5 years ago, eep) that is too tight in the waistband.
Momata says
I would take a damp, lint-free cloth to the peanut butter stain and dab at it, and go with that. (This reality is part of why I like this site so much more than the main site.)
rakma says
My opinion: If the dark suit is necessary, and the peanut butter was not on it last time you wore it to work, wear it tomorrow and pretend you didn’t notice it until you got to work. (can you spot clean it tonight? Does Dryel still have a spot cleaner?)
If the peanut butter has been to work already, wear the lighter suit you wore earlier this week. (This might be the better option any way)
rakma says
I should have started with–Congrats on the positive review! It is always great when someone else sees the hard work you’re doing.
Nonny says
Would the Tide pen work for this?
Ciao, pues says
Haha, I love this question! I would go with (1) the lighter suit you’ve already worn this week. Probably no one will notice that you’ve worn it already. I certainly wouldn’t notice, especially if you wear a different top underneath. It’s certainly possible that the pb will come out of the dark suit with a spot clean, and if so then go with that since it seems like you’re more inclined to wear the dark suit for the occasion. If it doesn’t come out, though, you’ll be self-conscious, and it sounds like you don’t need any more of that.
Which brings me to my next point: Go ahead, girl! Congratulations on great reviews! Take to heart what has been said about having more confidence. Reading between the lines, it sounds like you are killing it at work despite tough transitions, but could use some work in projecting faith in yourself. Make your review work for you and ask your reviewers for specific things you can do to gain confidence. Can you lead a project? Take on a new set of tasks? Get some training on a new area? Train others in something? I think women are especially vulnerable to underselling our skills and that kind of professional development will serve you well in the future. Chin up, lady, you EARNED those reviews! So while it’s nice to feel grateful, know that you deserve praise because you’ve earned it. And you’re a mom! Who lets her pb-fingered kiddo hug and cuddle her even though she’s still in her good work suit? Seriously, you’re awesome.
Burgher says
I recently had an interview and I did not feel like I did all that great and was really doubting myself. I talked to my ex-boss that gave me the inside scoop, and the feedback was that I seemed “very confident” even though I felt anything but that during the interview. I was wearing a mismatched navy “suit” because that was all I had at 6 weeks postpartum with a few days notice. I got the job. Point being, nobody knows what is going on inside your head. People really do not notice 95+% of the things we worry about. Even as someone who notices things, try to pick out a few co-workers and try to remember what they wore or said last Tuesday.