Reader Unicorn and Pixies asked: Looking for black long sleeved Dolman shirt / sweater to wear to work (big law). Like to spend under $100. I'm usually a s or m. Thank you!

Dolman tops and sweaters are a bit of a hot button issue on Corporette for some reason; many readers dislike dolman sleeves with a passion. I don't mind them - I have larger than average upper arms and find that fitted sleeves sometimes make my arms look a bit...sausage like. Dolman sleeves can be a great relaxed alternative look for sleeves.  But the challenge, of course, for work is making sure that a sometimes slouchy look is polished enough for the workplace. But I'm going to find you some awesome options U&P!!

 And - since this is a bit of a simple question, but I still wanted to help U&P out - I decided to do a combo post. I'll post the black long sleeved dolman shirts and sweaters - but also fun fall accessories I've seen that might go well with it - especially scarves, jewelry, belts, perhaps a vest or two, whatever catches my fancy!  Its been awhile since I've done an accessories post and fall is my favorite accessories season - you can layer, you can wear all my favorite jewel tones [and mix them up in jewelry and clothes], and purses and bags come in lovely shades of leather.  So this post will be a little bit for you U&P and a little bit of TCFKAG's ideas for fall accessories.  Hope you all enjoy it!
Dolman Sleeved Cowl top from Coldwater Creek ($59.96-69.95 - the cowl neck top on this shirt makes it fairly unique from most other dolman sleeved shirts, which tend to be boat neck or wide v-necks. Coldwater has lots of dolman options, including this one and this one that may work for you. And for those reading along at home, many of these items come in plus sizes as well and in other colors, including a gorgeous eggplant for the shirt above.)
Graphic Print Wool Scarf from Norstroms ($59 - with emerald green [and frankly all greens] so trendy right now, its a great time to add some green accessories to your wardrobe.  I especially like this scarf because it mixes the green with the navy blue [mixing of jewel tones] but also adds in the yellow which brightens the scarf and will allow it to transition into a spring wardrobe smoothly. Scarf also available in other colors. This similar graphical scarf is cool too.)
Ann Taylor Loft Banded Dolman Tee ($29.50 - I know many of my readers [honestly myself included] have largely sworn off the Loft because of quality issues, but this simple dolman tee is a cotton-wool blend, the banded waistline makes it a bit more formal and the short sleeve dolman look makes it a great layering item. It has great reviews and comes in awesome colors. Might be worth a try at that price.)
Halogen Scoop Back Ruched Dolman Top at Nordstroms ($44 - I REALLY like this simple dolman top from Nordstroms [the scooped back is not dramatically low].  The ruched waist gives it a fitted look, but the dolman sleeves keep it loose and comfortable through the chest, shoulder, and bicep areas for those of you with muscles or me with the arms de sausage. ;-)  It comes in a variety of lovely colors and in regular and petite sizes.)
White House Black Market Easy Dolman Tee ($38 - WHBM is becoming one of my go to stores for work clothes, which is sort of shocking, and I think this shirt is a good example of why.  It would be excellent for layering under suit jackets or cardigans - its a cotton-modal blend which gives it a silkier, slightly dressier appearance. I'm not sure about wearing it entirely on its own, especially at Big Law, but as a layering piece this is a great option.)
Halogen Dolman Sleeved Tunic from Nordstroms ($64 - another great dolman top that comes in great, great colors - including this black.  What you can't really see in the black picture is that there's a pit of a pronounced seam up the center of the sweater and sleeves at the waist - adding interest. May verge on too casual for a big law office, but wanted to share anyway.)
Latico Leathers Cross-Body bag at Amazon ($76.49 - at over 60% off this cross-body tote is a pretty great deal for real leather. The single review on Amazon is good and the chestnut color looks lovely. There's a picture giving scale against a human and its not quite as large as the out of context picture would suggest - it would be a great weekend or travel purse, or for work if you don't have to carry a laptop or files on a regular basis. I personally love cross-body purses and this is a lovely one with clean lines.)
Trouvé hi-low v-neck dolman sweater at Nordstroms ($68 - I wanted to make sure you had a true sweater option and I like this relatively simple Trouvé option. The hi-low hemline is barely noticeable and its short enough at the waist to be easily worn tucked in or not, which makes it versatile; pair with short collar or long pendant necklace for great effect.)
Michael by Michael Kors 'Slim Runway' Bracelet Watch at Nordstroms ($180 - This is definitely a splurge item - but it is also a beautiful, simple, and yet utterly sexy watch.  The black and gold is certainly on trend right now, but there's nothing about this watch that wouldn't be stylish forever. Plus, for those women who don't want a metallic watch there are just so few options and this is the cream of the crop. This hits just the right balance of edgy, trendy, but yet eternal. I kind of love it.)
Dex Jaquard Draped Front Cardigan at Piperlime ($78 - this cardigan, which has a fun jaquard pattern on the back, is the slouchy sweater you could wear all fall and never get sick of. Pair it with jeans, knee high boots, a black t-shirt, and a long pendant necklace, and maybe a cute hat if that's your thing and you've basically built the perfect fall outfit for the weekend. Also a great option for people whose offices are experimenting with how cold you can keep the human body and still get productive work from them.)
Women's scoop neck 3/4 sleeve dolman top at Old Navy ($14.00 - this may be more casual than you are looking for [and the reviews are only so-so, it looks like you may want to order a size up and/or even order a tall if you are "normal" height] but at $14 it might be worth at least checking out.)
Marru Matte Silk Top at Piperlime ($208 - so obviously this is a splurge item [that I would perhaps stalk until it goes on sale anyway] but I love this style of silk top with simple pleating down the front.  Its perfect for work, can be worn under blazers, on its own, with suits, and is surprisingly versatile on the weekends. Comes in other colors as well.)
Wyatt Blue and Black Contrast Stripe Jersey Dolman Top at Bluefly ($44.79 - so I know you said black, but I like this bold blue and black striped dolman top so much that I thought I'd recommend it anyway.  With a pair of simple black slacks and an opera length necklace - this would be a fun Friday look for work and a great weekend shirt.)
Neiman Marcus Chestnut Zip-Top Basketweave Tote at Neiman Marcus Last Call ($47.50 - chestnut is a beautiful color for fall; it just seems to jive with many of the seasonal colors of oranges and burgundy and green and other jewel tones.  Plus this bag seems like a killer steal - a lovely zip-top tote in a cool basketweave for over 50% off.  Definitely worth a look see.)
DV by Dolce Vita 'Sandie' Boot at Nordstroms ($79.90 - this boot is a fun combination of the moto-boot that is so in right now and the combat boot, that is coming back with the 90s trend [which if I see it called 'vintage' 90s one more time, I might scream.]  It comes in a variety of colors and I think it would be great with skinny jeans tucked in or with boot cut jeans. For those from northern climes, it would also transition nicely into early winter when rain, sleet, and snow become a daily problem.)
Leopard Print on Oversized Scarf at ASOS ($18.56 - ASOS has lots of fun accessories but I especially like this leopard print one. It would go well if you have a black or a brown jacket [or actually if you have one of those military green jackets or a burgundy jacket - or possibly any color - leopard is like a sneaky neutral.] Its a great size but still is a light enough fabric that you won't be dying of heat exhaustion October from wearing it.)
Kate 'Spectator' Pump from Talbots ($149 - Talbots shoes are surprisingly high quality - I have a pair of gray heels from there that I have worn several times a week for several years at this point and they've held up beautifully. This is the first pair of gray heels I've seen that tempt me to finally replace my beloved heels.  I like the simple extra detailing (a little interesting without being distracting) the pointed toe and the chunky heel - which is trendy AND comfortable, my favorite combination.)
Standout Layered Necklace in silver from Forever 21 ($8.80 - F21 has a variety of takes on this style of necklace, but I like this version in silver. You rarely see this style of chain Y necklace in silver (its frequently gold) and I like this darker almost gunmetal silver for a cooler, slightly more edgy look for fall. It also looks great in gold though, and frankly for this price you can probably afford both!  I love F21 jewelry, its hard to have buyers remorse when nothing costs more than $10.)
Metal Haven by Kendall & Kylie Wing Earrings at Nordstroms ($6.98 - its not often that I feature something from the junior's section of Nordies...or something from what I think is the little Kardashian's line of jewelry (I guess)?  But these are cute - I think in the appropriately styled outfit they could fit for work, but really I think they'd be awesome for the weekend. I'm actually envisioning them with the bracelet next to them and perhaps with those awesome DV boots above - you'd look super bad ass...but classily bad ass.)
Cara Wide Woven Leather Bracelet at Nordstrom's Rack ($14.97 - my favorite thing about the current leather trend is there are lots of women's accessories out there right now that walk the edge of kind of "badass tough" while still being pretty and well-made.  I think this bracelet is a great example of that. Paired with a nice pair of jeans, some cool moto boots, and a black dolman shirt (perhaps...just for example), this bracelet would be a fun way to add some of the leather trend to an outfit without going full on leather all the time. Not sure I'd wear it to work in a business casual work environment, but if you work in a creative field you might be able to pull it off.
So there you have it dear readers. some ideas for U&P for black dolman tops AND a sense of where my mind is at this fall. The answer....EVERYWHERE. I'm loving the trends this season, especially the leather, the various types of metallic jewelry, and the jewel tones abounding in every direction. I find myself wanting ALL THE THINGS so I'm really having to exercise some self-control.  

So what about you readers?  What fall items are you most excited about?  Have you made any purchases lately that you are just in love with? If so leave a comment below - I love to hear from you!  
 
A Corporette reader, Lost in the Racks, asked:

Big dinner coming up SATURDAY NIGHT [emphasis mine] with SO and his firm (900+ employees). No idea what to wear. He’s wearing very dark grey pinstripe Hugo Boss European cut suit. I need to look amazing – first time to a work function with him. I’m 5’10″ and usually a size 12 – curvy (38DD). Help?

So, LitR, I'm sort of letting you jump the line here because it sounds like your event is tomorrow?  If that isn't true and its next Saturday - well - you're still a bit pressed for time but you could order from SOME online retailers (Zappos, Amazon, on-line only Nordstrom's dresses).  But for the sake of this post I'm sticking to "things that I think are available at most malls in America" but simultaneously "still look fabulous enough that you won't look like you bought it the day before."  I assume you volunteered your husband's suit to describe level of dressiness and not a matching issue - since almost everything in the world goes with gray - but I'll try not to clash (and if you need to, you can always buy him a new coordinating but not too matchy-matchy tie.)  Or better yet, let the guys in the men's section of a department store or suit store do it - they are much better at it than us mere mortals.

So I'm going to add some styling and possibly actual shoe and jewelry advice, because in the end what makes an outfit for an event like this sometimes isn't the dress but rather how you accessorize.  Also, on a final note, I know most people would head straight to the "LBD" section for this one - and that's fine - but I think some color would be great for this.  I mean, its a middle of the summer party and *you* don't have to be conservative to avoid "embarrassing" yourself in front of your bosses - you just have to be appropriate, if the difference is clear. So I'm going to suggest some color but I'd definitely suggest you look at my "wedding guest black dress" post (which has both LBDs and non-LBDs), my "teal" cocktail and work dress and my "little red dress" post from before for other ideas.  Many of those dresses, especially the Nordies ones, may be available at your local mall - but I'd call ahead to check.  Now moving on to some ideas specialized just for you.

Ivy & Blu for Maggy Boutique at Nordstroms ($168 - the reviews are mixed, but you'd be trying it on first. Its available in your size at 2 of the 4 stores near my house so I figure you have decent odds of it being available near you.  I think a fun floral would be great for a summer work party because well its summer.  I'd keep everything else simple, nude or gray heels, maybe a silver or gold bangle, pendant necklace and maybe even just stud earrings.)
Cascade Hem Sleeveless Dress in palm frond from Ann Taylor ($79.99 - so I would normally not recommend asymmetrical hemlines, I just usually don't like them, but something about the execution of this one works for me.  Plus the color is great, I like the top, the price is right, and its available in-store in lots of locations.  So it might be worth a try-on at least.  Most reviews are good - saying its flattering and a nice length for the taller set.)
Textured Cotton Sundress in polka dot from WHBM ($160 - WHBM has this fun polka dot dress - they also have a couple great striped dresses.  If you're hitting a mall, I'd hit them up first. They're one of my must stops when taking my friends dress shopping and they are always amazed by how much they like the dresses and how flattering they are...including both x-shaped and fairly short to tiny, thin, and tall.  So they have variety.)
Tadashi Shoji Lace & Tulle Cocktail Dress at Nordstroms ($298 - you'll have to check store availability - this is a repeat for me from the teal post - but I just love it.  A more modern take on the lace trend, a beautiful teal, looks long enough that should work for a 5' 8" person, wide shoulder straps and high neck should hold the girls, and the ribbon detailing at the waist line should help emphasize a variety of natural waist lines.  Also comes in a lovely cantaloupe color. Maybe worth the splurge since it would be a great dress for weddings and such?)
Banded Drop-Waist Dress in black at WHBM ($160 - if I was you and looking for a little black dress for this, I might seriously consider this one.  It has 11 reviews and a 5 out of 5 - with lots of reviews saying it looks great on curvier figures.  I think it would really work well with your assets [as they say in the boob trade lol] and the banded section through the bodice and stomach looks forgiving but while still having a nice a-line twirly skirt at the bottom.  Yes, I'm a grown-woman who likes twirly skirts and I'm proud. A pair of red pumps and a bright red lip with some great jewelry and this would be a great "guest at a company party" look.
Colorblocked Pleated Sleeveless Dress in tropical jade at Ann Taylor ($148 - this dress practically SCREAMS summer at me and if this color flatters you it might be perfect.  Add a long necklace or pendant, some nude or metallic sandals, and maybe that bangle she's wearing and it's a great look.  A nice mix of formal and fun. I'd bring a cardigan or wrap though.
Etched Leaf Wrap Dress at Talbots ($109.00 - available in all sizes and should be in store - I think a lot of wrap dresses might be too casual for this event, but since this one has a pattern, a very nice one in my opinion, it dresses it up enough that I think it works.  Again with a bit of extra jewelry and nice shoes and you've got a good look; plus wrap dresses are just SO flattering and look so good on bustier women.)
Adrianna Papell Jersey and Taffeta dress at Nordstroms ($178 - I wanted to include one dress that was really a more formal "event" dress - unfortunately this one isn't available in stores near me but you should check with the stores near you.  Or look for something with a similar wide-v-neck and fit and flare skirt - which I think would be a great formal dress shape for you.)
Side bow dress in bright red at The Limited ($79.90 - possibly with an additional 50% off - the sale is difficult to understand.  There is also a black version of this dress and this is called red though on my screen it looks orange.  Either way, the Limited is getting great props everywhere for its new resurgence  so I'd definitely check it out for a mall option for a dress.  [Oh and I secretly hop this is orange - I love orange.])
Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Beaded Tulip Hem at Macy's ($199 - this is a brand new Papell as far as I can tell, at least I've never seen it, so I'm throwing it up here just because I like to keep people informed - I'm not actually sure you could get it in time for your party LitR (sorry).  Its definitely an interesting dress, I love the fish tail ruching, but not so sure about the beaded neckline - would have to see in person I guess.  I am a HUGE fan of burgundy though - so they've got me there.)
And Now Just a Few Accessories Suggestions ... Because of Reasons
Cole Haan 'Chelsea' Pump in laquer red patent at Nordstroms ($148.95 - if you decide to go LBD - these amazing red Cole Haans, which for my money are the best red heels out there, are for sale on 50% off - might be worth treating yourself.  Everyone needs a pair of go to red pumps! Though when I explain that to my husband he doesn't seem to understand it.)
Green/turquoise/gold jewelry at F21.  (Bracelet and chevron pendant).  Forever 21 is my absolute favorite place to shop for "one time only" jewelry at the mall - they have fun/funky stuff and frankly it rarely ends up being one time only.  These would be great with one of the teal or black dresses, for example.
Cejon Metallic Crocheted Evening Wrap at Lord & Taylor ($28.50 - a lovely crocheted wrap that would be perfect for a slightly cool evening summer event.  Dillard's has a slightly better picture of it but not everyone has Dillard's.  And I think you could totally wear a gray/silver wrap with gold jewelry if anyone's wondering.  Cejon actually has several lovely wrap/scarfs in metallics at L&T right now if anyone's in the market.)
Okay LitR - that's what I got for you tonight. I hope you find something that makes you look and feel incredible (without making you wear your grandparent's clothes). But really, just have fun and take advantage of what I hope is an open bar. The goal here is just to look nice enough that you fit in - the nice thing about going to your husband's work events and not, say, your own is there's no one to impress. :-) 

P.S. To the other Corporettes who are hopefully now reading this blog instead of just the tumblr (or nothing before).  There is a tab on the top of the page entitled "Vicarious Shopping Questions" where you can submit your questions directly and they won't get lost in the shuffle of a Weekend Thread that gets out of hand and I just forget or lose them (which happens sometimes!)  


Also, if you haven't been reading the blog at all, you may have missed the announcement that I have started a PERSONAL SHOPPING SERVICE through TCFKAG Shops.  You can click on the tab at the top of the page logically titled "Personal Shopping" to learn all about it - but the upshot is if you have a particularly complicated or involved question - or would like help with something like restyling your whole wardrobe or picking out a new wardrobe after significant weight loss....something like that, you should consider hiring me as a personal shopper.  I'm fairly cheap as these things go and it will be a more interactive, on-line process via e-mail or video chat (if you prefer).  Or, if you live in the Boston/Greater New England area - it might even be in person.  So take a look see at the info and submit from that form if you are interested!!!


Okay - that's all the announcements.  Hope you like the dress ideas and happy shopping. Other readers - I know Reader LitR has to go buy these items at the store, but if you are going to buy any of them - I'd be super touched if you bought them through the link on the website because when people buy things through my links I make a little money which is both cool and I get adorably excited about it (think $10 per, like week, and you'll understand why its adorable.)  Gosh - REALLY, really checking off now.  :-)
 
Reader MJ submitted to my Tumblr and asked:

Hey--MJ from Corporette. I am looking for a white denim jean/pencil skirt which is on the longer side (e.g. not a miniskirt or short pencil skirt). Need size 14. Go! Love the new blog!

First, may I salute your brevity in question asking MJ.  Short, sweet, and to the point.  I'm assuming you probably mean something with an a-line cut or at least a not to tight pencil skirt (I find tight pencil skirt jean skirts to be wildly uncomfortable.)  I may also throw in a couple options in other casual fabrics (maybe a linen or cotton) just in case there are some great options in non-denim jeans.  All that being said - lets get to work!  (Oh - and thanks for reading the blog and the tumblr - I love all my readers!)
FDJ French Dressing Stretch Denim Skirt in white from Sierra Trading Company ($27.96 - I love the more relaxed cut and length on this and the stretch denim should be comfortable - but read the reviews, they aren't universally positive.)
Jag Jeans Maddock Pull-On White Denim Skirt at Zappos ($52 - I love this brand and this is a bit a-line, could be a winner.)
JNY Signature Denim Skirt at Jones New York ($59 - may be too pencil skirt for you, but its lovely.)
Eddie Bauer Slightly Curvy White Denim Skirt at Eddie Bauer ($49.95 - so, one hitch on this one or else it would be my first choice ever...the size 14 is sold out.  Reviews say it runs a bit large so you could try a 12 or, if you like it enough, you could buy the 16 and have it taken in.  Either way, this seems to be precisely what you're looking for!) 
Three Dots Red Women's Skirt in linen at Amazon ($80 - I know this isn't denim, but for the relaxed fit and length you like, it might be worth a look see.)
Alex Marie Lily Washable Skirt at Dillards ($89 - it is stretch twill, not denim, but the shape is beautiful and its machine washable - can't go wrong there.)
Essential Eyelet Skirt from Forever 21 ($19.80 - posting this because the pencil skirt looks more relaxed, no white skirt post is complete without an eyelet option, and the price is totally right ... especially if you think this is going to be a "sometimes wear" item.)
Stretch-Cotton Zipper Pencil Skirt at Lord & Taylor ($79 - I like the shape since its a more structured a-line and cotton is a great fabric for summer.  Might beat out denim in my book.)
Calvin Klein Tweed Pencil Skirt at Lord & Taylor ($89.50 - this is probably not ideal for you Reader MJ - but I'm posting it for my readers who might want a more business casual or networking appropriate pencil skirt.  I don't even mind the exposed zipper!  Tips for those of you looking for these items, Ann Taylor, the Limited, and WHBM have a bunch of other beautiful white pencil skirts right now if you want to add that item to your work wardrobe.)

Okay MJ....I hope these help.  Perhaps you'll think outside the denim box?  Though I think these denim options are kind of great.  I personally cannot purchase any of these because they would have coffee, tomato sauce, or some other destructive material on them by the end of the day.  So I salute you in your ability to wear white.  Go forth and shop dear reader.
 
Hi TCFKAG! I'm a new BigLaw associate and got my ears pierced a few months ago. It is now time to move beyond the starter studs and buy some earrings. For now, I'm looking for workhorse earrings I can wear over and over (my goal is to make it until Christmas on a handful of pairs, then let the relatives do the rest), but that aren't just plain studs. Here are a few ideas I had: JC Penney Love Knot Earrings Sterling Silver EarringsJC Penney Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings, and Love Knot Dangle Earrings on Etsy.  But I bet you can do better. I'm open to any design and any metal. I'd like to stay under $50 per pair. -- A Blog Admirer


Hey!  Thanks for the question - and those are all really cute.  I'll try to find some similar options for you.  I might throw in a couple ones with some pretty, neutral gemstones (just in case you're interested.)  For those shopping along at home - here are the three that Reader E likes (I think the love knot dangles are my favorite.)
These are all so cute!  The love knots are super nice (I never knew that design was called that) - and of course a little huggie silver hoop is a nice basic.  So these are great options.  But lets see what other options I can find for you.  
Faux Pearl Stud Earrings in silver at Lord & Taylors ($20 - a basic but pretty workhorse, nice option.)
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Braided Knot Earrings at Bloomingdales ($32 - an interesting take on the knot stud.)
Anne Klein Button Stud Earrings in blue at Nordstroms ($20 - I love this blue/gray color - it would be a lovely neutral in a wardrobe but still add some nice color around the face.  These earrings also come in two shades of white and a turquoise...a really nice basic for anyone I think.)
Sterling Silver Cluster Stud Earrings in silver at Lord & Taylor ($20 - great deal and so pretty but a little different.)
Hammered Metal Square Studs at Forever 21 ($1.80 - yes...that price is right.  Still have to pay shipping but there are TONS of earrings on final sales for $1.80 right now at F21.)
Tina Tang Small Disc Earrings at ShopGoldyn ($42 - these are pretty and a bit more rustic - I like them.)

Quilted Square Stud Earrings at Gorjana & Griffin ($40 - also comes in a BEAUTIFUL rose gold.)
Silver-Tone & Glass Pearl Earrings at Lord & Taylor ($24 - pretty and simple dangle earrings.)
Kate Spade Dot to Dot Stud Earrings at Bloomingdales ($48 - I know these are a bit different then what you wanted but they're so pretty I thought I'd point them out.)

Okay - thats a bunch of different options for you.  Let me know which of them you like best and I can always find you more.  :-)  Happy shopping!  I'm sure any of them will look lovely on you.  Come see me when you want coordinating necklaces.  ;-)
 
Sun dresses for summer are so fun....and I love this dress from Patagonia - the Margot Dress in "Palm Fronds/Dragonfruit" at 6PM for $41.99 (comes in several designs/colors).  Here are a few more fun summer weekend day dresses that I've seen around the internet recently that I think you all might like.
Emily and Fin Strawberry Print Dress from Asos ($54.90 - so cute and free shipping both ways.)
Riviera Romance Dress at Modcloth ($53.99 - would look so cute with a jean jacket or a moto jacket.)
Bobeau Drape Neck Maxi Dress at Nordstroms ($43.49 - cute and comfy looking)
Vibrant Paisley Maxi Dress from Forever 21 ($29.80 - I'd definitely add a belt - maybe in brown or red.)
Merona Rugby Shirt Dress ($22.99 - available in blue and white also - one good customer review).

Now...clearly....if you are buying a cute dress for bumming around in the summer...you need cute new sandals, yes?  Here are a few options!
Merona Essie Woven Upper Slide Sandal at Target ($19.99 - cute, cheap, various colors, and well reviewed.)
Rieker Fanni sandals in gray at Zappos ($105 - the lower wedge might make it more comfortable for many.)
Nude woven mini wedge sandals at Dorothy Perkins ($49 - also come in a woven metallic that are cute.)

Okay...thats just a few sandals for now.  I'm sure I'll post some more soon.  Hope you like them!  Oh summer - I love you so.