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Ooh: Crazy sale on this Theory Dancey K jacket, with an interesting black and white pattern. I like the knit construction, the lining, and the fact that I’d wear this baby while pregnant, postpartum, and beyond. It was $425, but is now marked to $111 (!!!) at Nordstrom Rack. Theory Dancey K Jacket
Update: Deal Alert! The Children’s Place is having a huge clearance sale right now — up to 75% off, which means you’ll find lots of items for $3, $4, $5, $6, etc. Denim is 60% off, and graphic tees are 60% off as well. No code needed, and free shipping on every order!
Sales of note for 11.28.23…
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Nordstrom – Black Friday deals have started! 1,800+ sale items! Shop designer, get bonus notes up to $1200. Markdowns include big deals on UGG, Natori, Barefoot Dreams, Marc Fisher LTD, Vionic and more!
- Ann Taylor – Up to 40% off your purchase
- Banana Republic – 40% off your purchase, including cashmere; up to 60% off sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – 60% off everything & extra 20% off purchase
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off almost everything; up to 50% off suiting & chinos; up to 40% off cashmere; extra 50% off sale styles
- Lands’ End – 50% off sitewide (readers love the cashmere)
- Summersalt – Up to 60% off (this reader favorite sweater blazer is down to $75)
- Stuart Weitzman – Extra 25% off full-price and sale styles with code
- Talbots – 50% off all markdowns and 30% off entire site — readers love this cashmere boatneck and this cashmere cardigan, as well as their sweater blazers in general
- Zappos – 29,000+ sale items (for women)! Check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kid shoe brands on sale.
Kid/Family Sales
- BabyJogger – 25% off 3 items
- Crate & Kids – Up to 50% off everything plus free shipping sitewide; save 10% off full price items
- J.Crew Crewcuts – 50% off everything + free shipping
- ErgoBaby – 40% off Omni Breeze Carrier, 25% off Evolve 3-in-1 bouncer, $100 off Metro+Stroller
- Graco – Up to 30% off car seats
- Nordstrom – Big deals on CRANE BABY, Petunia Pickle Bottom, TWELVElittle and Posh Peanut
- Strolleria – 25% off Wonderfold wagons, and additional deals on dadada, Cybex, and Peg Perego
- Walmart – Savings on Maxi-Cosi car seats, adventure wagons, rocker recliners, security cameras and more!
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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?
Anonyc says
I like this in theory (given that my wardrobe is about 2/3 black and this would work well) but upon closer inspection this fabric seems…a little schlubby? No knock on knit jackets (own ’em, love ’em), but this looks a bit too casual for work. Maybe it looks better IRL, but online it reminds me of those sections of Lands End that feature entire outfits in knitwear.
RR says
I wish it were appropriate in my life to wear those entire outfits of knitwear.
Meg Murry says
Yes, I’d have to see it IRL, but it definitely reads more “heathered grey” to me than “black/white pattern” and pretty casual. I think its probably ok in place of a cardigan, but not in place of a true blazer or suit.
That said, I am wearing a slightly darker heathered charcoal today and a knit jacket because I work in a place where being that casual is ok, and I love it.
POSITA says
Loft has an almost identical jacket at the moment.
KJ says
Have you guys seen this? http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2015/01/15/obama-provides-parental-leave-for-feds/?hpid=z4
Allowing feds to take 6 weeks of advance sick leave after the birth of a child isn’t very helpful because you need your sick leave once you are back at work (and most agencies allow that right now anyway), but giving us 6 weeks of admin leave would be huge. As a fed, I can say that would impact my husband’s and my decision about if/when to have another child. Even if this isn’t the game-changer I’m hoping for, I’m glad to see this issue and the larger issue of paid sick and maternity leave for all workers getting the attention it deserves.
POSITA says
If it goes to 12 weeks, I would consider leaving BigLaw before I finished having kids. It’s certainly a step in the right direction.
hoola hoopa says
Agree – but baby steps to something better, hopefully?
I’m done having kids, but I seriously hope the US can get a better deal for family leave. With each kid, it took us ~1.5 years to fully recover from the financial hit of maternity leave (I’m primary income). I’m glad that my job was waiting for me in 12 weeks and all, but come on.
Philanthropy Girl says
I was so grateful for yesterday’s post on carseats – we’re looking for our next step carseat (probably a convertible). I had been planning all along on a Britax, because I’ve been so happy with our infant seat and stroller. I’m now looking at the Diono Radian because it also converts to a booster. None of the others I’ve seen do that.
Are there any other convertibles that also include a booster that I should add to my search?
Can anyone speak of pros/cons of the Diono vs. a Britax (probably the Marathon)? Is it worth spending the extra money to get a Boulevard or Advocate instead of the Marathon? We have a minivan, so size isn’t a particular issue, and we only have one vehicle so we won’t have to take it in an out of the car very often.
Samantha says
Never tried the Britax, but I’ve had a very good experience with 2 Diono Radians, which I bought on the recommendation of a friend (and her preschooler!).
Burgher says
Same. We have 2 Dionos and love them. We bought them because of the convertibility up through a booster and the option for extended rear facing & 5 point harness. They seem extremely well made & heavy duty… the steel frame is solid. No experience with Britax to compare, though!
NewMomAnon says
We have the Evenflo Symphony DLX, which is an “all in one” seat – it has the option to do extended rear facing, front facing, high back booster and I think a regular booster as well. It has the infinite slide strap adjustments (no rethreading!), and it is a breeze to install (seriously, it claims 60 second install but I don’t think it actually takes that long). Two cup holders (which currently hold balls and wadded up kleenex, because of course they do). Cons: I don’t have much room for comparison, but it seems huge to me – it has these wings on the headrest that make it hard to get my kiddo in and out while rear facing. And she hates rear facing, but that isn’t the seat’s fault. Otherwise, I really like it – we have two of them (one for each car). Plus, it comes in cool colors.
Philanthropy Girl says
Thanks! Adding it to the list!
hoola hoopa says
FWIW, I’ve had both and preferred the Britax. There was nothing wrong with the symphony, though.
I can’t recommend enough putting your kid in them and letting that be your guide.
A con of the Radian (I do not have one but at this rate probably will at some point) is that they are tall, so RFing isn’t possible in all backseats. Sounds like you’ve already noticed that, and I’d expect a minivan would accommodate. It’s been the limiting factor for me, but we recently bought a new car where I think one will work and I might get one because I strongly dislike buying carseats.
RR says
Graco has at least one option (the Nautilus) that converts from a 5 point harness to a booster. I think they may have more. I have no experience with any of the seats that convert from a 5-point to a booster.
With respect to the Britax Marathon vs. the Boulevard/Advocate, we personally went with the Boulevard and then later the Advocate (which wasn’t available when we bought our first Boulevards). I felt, based upon my research at the time, that the increased side impact protection offered by the Boulevard/Advocate made it the safer choice (I think it also has higher shoulder height limitations if that is likely to be an issue). When we bought our second round, in choosing between the Boulevard and the Advocate, the decision was again the (even further) increased side impact protection of the Advocate. Note though that the Advocate is a BIG seat. However, you won’t have fit issues with a minivan.
ETA: The Advocate/Boulevard seats are also harder to use with RF toddlers. Those side impact protection wings mean that getting a large toddler in and out has very little room for error. It’s not easy. Still worth it for the side impact protection, but definitely not a good choice if you plan to rear face longer than 2 years.
Philanthropy Girl says
Thank you for the Graco suggestion. I’ll add it to my list.
The jury is still out on how long we plan to rear-face. It feels like the recommendations are constantly changing and it’s hard to keep up.
RR says
I think all the “official” recommendations are 2 years. I know that technically it’s safest for adults to rear face, but I can’t imagine wrestling my large toddler into a rear facing seat any longer than 2 years. But, lots of people do it.
JJ says
FWIW, we had to switch both my kids at 18 months. They were physically uncomfortable rear-facing and would cry the entire time they were in the car. This is one those things where I totally judge myself for doing so, but my sanity required it.
hoola hoopa says
Official recommendation is 2 years, but friends who are really in tune with carseat safety say that 3 years is now the unofficial rec due to head-to-neck ratio and general neck strength and spine ossification.
RR says
JJ, no judgment. We switched my twins at 15 months (it was 6 years ago and at the beginning of the 2 year RF recommendations, but…..). My 16 month old is at the top of the chart for height and weight, and it’s getting really difficult for me to even get her in her seat. Poor thing is being flopped and squished all over the place just to get in there. I know long-term RF is safest, but there are other factors at play sometimes.
Burgher says
We intended to rear face for as long as possible, but then we went on a trip where we rented a car and our carseat wouldn’t fit rear facing. The little dude (just over 2 at that time) was NOT pleased when we came home and tried to put him back. We rationalized that a happy kid in the car not being a distraction was better than a screaming kid on every car trip.
FVNC says
We just bought the Graco for my husband’s car. In my car — which baby primarily rides in — we have a Britax (not sure what model; it is currently rear facing). The Graco is fine, but it does seem *slightly* harder to use/less comfortable than the Britax, in that the straps twist easily, the between-the-legs pad is useless, etc. Overall though, baby seems perfectly happy riding in it, so it may be worth considering esp. from a cost/value perspective.
anne-on says
I upgraded to the Diono Ranier after having the Marathon buckles snap off on me. I live in a cold weather state but the carseat was only about 11 months old at the time and it wasn’t even fully winter yet. Ugh. I left a scathing review and angry calls with Britax and upgraded. The Diono convertible features were what really sold me, but I also liked that it was narrower when we do have other adults sitting in the back. The strap installation was a bit different than what I was used to but easy enough once I read through the manual.
Philanthropy Girl says
Thanks! I hadn’t heard about the cold issue with Britax. Will keep that in mind!
Meg Murry says
FYI, Booster seats cost much less than car seats – cheap but decent ones are in the $30-$50 range, and even a Diono booster that looks like a Cadillac of boosters is under $100. So unless you are concerned with the environmental impact of buying a separate booster seat, I wouldn’t let “converts to a booster” be a sole key selling point. Besides, by the time your kid is in need of a booster, you may either have a younger kid ready to step up into their seat, or it may be so grubby you want something new, or there could be something crazy cool on the market that wasn’t there 4 years ago.
The one thing on my wish list for a seat if I were to buy a new one for my littlest guy (he’s 3 now and his hand-me-down seat from his big brother technically just expired) is a seat that has a 5 point harness, but is tall enough I could use it with a seatbelt for times when I need to drive carpool for the older kids, so I could put the big one in the little one’s seat (as a booster, not 5 point) and put the friend in my older son’s booster. But its not in the budget right now, and the big one is almost aged/sized out of absolutely needing a booster.
Philanthropy Girl says
Thanks, Meg Murray. Until I saw the Diono I wasn’t aware of a convertible that went all the way to a booster, so while that is an interesting to feature to me, I’m not committed to the idea. I appreciate your insights!
hoola hoopa says
I agree. I’d rather buy the ideal RF/FF convertible than an adequate RF/FF/booster. Relative cost and being able to go from harnessed booster to high-back booster are pros. Also, IME, older kids are more comfortable in a more right-angled booster than a bucket-style convertible because their legs fall straight down instead of out at an angle. They can also independently climb in and out easier, which will be a huge boon to you.
Jen says
The radians are huge. We wanted one that oculd convert to a booster, but our baby is still rear facing. A RF radian was laughable in our Acura MDX.. It technically fit but was ENORMOUS. We ended up going with a Peg Perego one and deciding we’ll buy a booster when we need it. by that time, we’ll probably have a 2nd kid ready for a RFing non infant carrier.
Spirograph says
I have both of these seats. The marathon is nice, easy to install, easy to get the kid in and out and the straps adjust easily. I got the Radian because it is one of the few that fits rear-facing — with an angle adjuster — in my very small car. The only complaint I have is that the straps don’t tighten as easily. That may have been the angle I have to pull from while climbing in the back of a 2-door car though. We just turned the Radian forwards so that there’s room for an infant seat, so I may have more to say about it in a couple weeks.
Burgher says
Nope, not just your car. The Radian straps are a PITA to adjust, even in a giant vehicle with the seat forward facing. That’s the only thing I’m not crazy about with it. I think it’s supposed to be a feature that you can get it to just the right snugness without overdoing it, but it’s annoying since you have to keep yanking on it repeatedly to get it tighter. I’d still buy it again, though.
Msj says
FYI the Diono is on sale at just kids.com for $229 in certain colors
JJ says
So, I was wrong about which Britax we have yesterday. We the Pinnacle 90 for our oldest and love, love, love it. We bought it because it does convert to a booster. It’s crazy comfortable and the cup holders and snack holders are large enough to hold sippy cups and snacks. Really easy to install and very easy to clip my toddler in (even when he’s being wiggly).
We drive a LOT and a lot on highways, so we valued having all the crash protection we could possibly get. I don’t have any complaints about this seat.
Philanthropy Girl says
The Pinnacle doesn’t rear-face, correct? So I would need something between my infant seat and the Pinnacle booster. I’m having a hard time keeping all the Britax options separate =)
JJ says
I don’t think it does. We bought this one when the oldest was evicted from the prior car seat because his little brother needed it.
NewMomAnon says
Ok, so I would love input on this – my kiddo’s first birthday is coming up, and we are doing a small family gathering (borrowing the “cake for baby and booze for mommy” theme). My kiddo has as many toys as we can handle from Christmas (seriously, we haven’t even taken some out of the box yet), and some of the family members don’t have the budget for gifts. Is it tacky to tell people that no gifts are expected, but if they want to bring a gift, books are always welcome? Or is it better to say nothing and let everyone make their own decision? I know that at least one person is making a gift, and I’m sure the grandparents will bring gifts.
Philanthropy Girl says
I’m always loathe to tell people how to gift – including telling them to not bring gifts or what types of gifts I prefer. I personally would remain silent on the topic of gifts and allow people to decide for themselves if they would like to or are able to bring a gift. I personally wouldn’t be offended by receiving a “no gifts please” invitation, but I feel uncomfortable with the idea of saying it to people.
NewMomAnon says
Good point, I can see how it would come off as demanding only type of present, instead of trying to let people off the hook for gifts (which was my intent). I’ll leave it alone and let people ask if they aren’t sure.
JJ says
Is it possible to maybe make it a book-themed party? That way on the invitation/evite you could put (in some cute way that is escaping me right now) that you want to focus on books as gifts? Or, if the guest list is small enough, just rely on word-of-mouth that you prefer books as presents? It’s taken a few years, but I think we’ve finally drilled into my family that we have enough toys from Christmas, but we can never have too many books.
ETA – my (and my husband’s) family always ask us specifically what to get for my kids’ birthdays, so we have an opportunity to tell them “Books!”
RR says
I feel like the “no gifts please” is better than specifying a type of gift like books. You can always tell anyone who asks that books are always welcome, but I wouldn’t put it on the invite. Personally, I don’t see any etiquette issue with a “no gifts please” invite.
FVNC says
I generally agree with Philanthropy Girl, but might make an exception for a gathering limited to family members I’m close to. For example, I wouldn’t hesitate to tell my parents and sister what baby needs/would like. I would not do the same for my MIL, though, because (1) she’ll do what she wants anyway, and (2) might be hurt if she felt I was “restricting” what she could get for her granddaughter. But if anyone asks what they can bring, definitely feel free to say no gifts or suggest one or two inexpensive board books. Hope you all have a fun party!
Ciao, pues says
We once got an invitation to a baby shower that said something like, “no gifts as your presence is present enough, but if you would like to give something, we love books, homemade items, and gift certificates,” or something like that. I didn’t find it tacky so much as confusing. It actually left me feeling the like first option– no gift– wasn’t really an option at all.
If you truly don’t want gifts, then I would leave it at that: no gifts please. If you would like books, say that: help us build our library! You’ll find people will bring gifts even if you tell them not to, and some will bring gifts that are not what you asked for. In general, I don’t find these types of directions uncouth, but a southernor might (<- sorry for the stereotype, southernors!)
pockets says
I don’t think saying “no gifts please” is tacky at all – I just got an invite that specified no gifts, and I thought it was really thoughtful and classy. I also wouldn’t assume people will ask if they should bring a gift as I think that would be tacky on the part of the partygoer. I mean, what is the host supposed to say? Silence = give a gift, so if you don’t want gifts, you should explicitly say so.
I also don’t really understand the “can’t have too many books” mentality. How many books does a person who cannot read, does not have sufficient memory retention to be “bored,” and can’t sit through an entire book being read to them need?
JJ says
My kids (3 years old next month and 18 months) are obsessed with books. Like, the 18-month will sit on the floor and flip through board books (with a strong preference for Sandra Boynton) for 30 minutes at a time by himself. We’re big readers, so we do everything we can to encourage that, including making sure there are always books around and ready to be “read” at any given moment.
Lyssa says
Mine too, and he has been since he was old enough to pick them up and wave them at you (well under a year). He’ll do most anything if we promise to read to him after. My mom is obsessed with getting books for little kids, so he has tons and tons, most of which we have memorized.
He’s also really interested in letters (I assume since we’ve read to him so much) and can name most of them already, which I’m assuming will make him a great reader later on. For some of the books, he insists that we spell out the words as he points to them.
NewMomAnon says
Erm, my kiddo does get bored, often within the first few minutes of any given activity, at which point she will hand me another book or toy. And another, and another, and another. Volume and variety is very helpful when trying to entertain the under-2 set, and I would greatly prefer that I have that volume in books instead of light-up, noisy pieces of plastic stuff.
anne-on says
The variety is for the adult, not the kid. I would have shot myself if I had to read the same 5 books to my baby over and over again. You’d be surprised at how early they retain different stories, and reading (and variety of words) are key to helping children grasp language/letters/form a foundation for literacy.
Spirograph says
Ha, my kingdom for variety! we have a ton of books but my very opinionated son chooses the same ones over and over. He “reads” along with Green Eggs and Ham now since we both have it memorized.
JJ says
Yes. I love having variety, but if I have to read “Moo, Baa, La La La” or “But Not The Hippopotamus” one more time…
Nonny says
“But wait,” you say, “that isn’t right! Pigs say ‘oink’ all day and night!”
I hear you.
RR says
I kind of do think there is such a thing as too many books. Kiddo #3, who inherited all the books of her siblings and has had a bunch of books purchased for her, could probably have a different book read to her every day for two years before we had to repeat. We have shelves and shelves and shelves of books. That said, it’s still impossible to say no to the older two, who are now getting into chapter books. (It’s not like I cut myself off, so I don’t see myself cutting them off!)
hoola hoopa says
“no gifts please” is common in my circle/region. But (a) I wouldn’t expect a grandparent to abide, and (b) if someone brings a gift, be just as gracious as if you hadn’t requested no gifts. Typically at a no-gift-requested party, gift-givers are thanked and either opened on the sidelines privately or just stacked to open later. There is no audience gift-opening.
I’d put “no gifts” on the invite and if people ask, then you can verbally tell them no gift is expected/preferred, but if they want to give a book would be most welcome. I think it’s far too confusing / contrary to put on the invite.
Burgher says
Last year we specified “no gifts please” on the invitation for my son’s birthday party and everyone brought gifts anyway… except for one of our friends. Luckily she is not the type to be offended, but she did mention “uhmm I thought you said no gifts?” and I felt bad that I may have put her in an awkward spot unintentionally. People are going to do what they want to do anyway.
Anonymous says
You didn’t put her in an awkward spot, the guests who brought gifts after being specifically asked not to did.