$89 Brooks Brothers White Shirt
This is why I don’t invest $88 in the must-have Brooks Brothers’ No-Iron Fitted White Shirt .
It may be permanently ironed, but there is not a shot in hell it would be permanently white. In fact, I own no white shirts - or pants (are you joking?). That’s red juice!
Does that make me a shlumpadinka? Maybe, but this is my present reality.
Perhaps when the children go off to college I’ll buy that white shirt.
Tags: , $80 brooks brother's white shirt, beauty and fashion, blog fabulous, empowering women, oprah's top 10 clothing list, shlumpadinka, so sioux me, tracee siouxRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Fabulous Beauty Editor, Fabulous Mothering, Fabulously Cheap
40 opinions for $89 Brooks Brothers White Shirt
Ashley
Feb 22, 2008 at 7:09 am
Tracee,
I’m feeling you! I have one really nice (for us) white shirt that I wear to work occasionally. (Got it at a bass outlet near our town! Whoo-hoo) Anyway, the reason I wear it occasionally is two-fold…it takes so much extra energy to and time to wash it separately and hang it up it only makes it into the laundry cycle every 4th week. Part two? on the mornings I am brave enough to wear it I am running around the house in a bra until my husband puts both boys (2yrs & 5 yrs) in the car and starts it, then I have to put a jacket over it to carry my 2 year old into the sitter’s house. It’s like this ridiculous chinese fire drill just to wear a darned shirt…So kudos to you for just avoiding the whole thing!
Also, I love Oprah to death, but she doesn’t have children in her life and seems to have no grasp of the pressure, stress, time, etc. they take. I just have to dismiss (lovingly) most of her advice concerning motherhood, time management, “taking time for yourself” etc., completely.
She’s kind of like this really good friend I have who got her master’s by like 21, hasn’t had children yet (27) and has all this time and money on her hands. . . she’ll call me sometimes and complain about money (because of her vacation to Hawaii or her $800 recent purchase to Victoria’s Secret) or that she’s tired (because she only got 9 hours of sleep instead of 13) and I just want to scream! But I love her and she’s my oldest friend and I know she has no concept of how insensitive she’s being so I just listen and secretly wait for the day she has two small children and most of her money goes towards bills and she has a husband who she realizes is just a normal guy - not her prince charming.. Then I think we can really have a good, relatable (sp?), converesation. Not that that’s going to happen w/ me and Oprah. ;)
Tracee
Feb 22, 2008 at 7:42 am
Aren’t the childless fun? My bff has no kids either. But, I have to admit I am equally insensitive about her childlessness as she is about my childfullness. My mouth just runs amuck.
Oprah, of course is in her own stratosphere. I do take her seriously when she talks about how our health will break down if we don’t take time for ourselves. I do try to do that. Luckily I’ve got people who will occasionally take the kids off my hands.
Lizzie
Feb 22, 2008 at 9:52 am
LOL, I could think of better ways to spend $89. I dont think that wearing a white shirt is going to make me a better stay at home Mom.
Violet
Feb 22, 2008 at 1:57 pm
The thing is Ashley, having two kids doesn’t make you the only tired person in the world, or the person who make financial mishaps, or even the person who can’t have white clothes. I have not kids to blame, I’m just a slob who spills on herself a lot.
I get a little tired (ha ha) of this superiority attitude from some mothers that they are the only ones allowed to feel overwhelmed by life. I’ve gotten this many times from women at work who think I should be the one to stay late, do extra work, etc because “they have kids.” Well, I have aging parents, health problems and a slew of other issues I am dealing with too. Luckily, I think my friends who are moms are more sympathetic (although for all I know they could be secretly posting about how they want to scream after talking to me. I hope not.)
This reminds of a funny conversation I had with my cousin (who has 5 children) who said that she rolls her eyes when her sister complains that she is worn out because she “only has two kids!”
Violet
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:00 pm
By the way, I didn’t really like the shirt, but I was pleased that the clothes were more affordable, from places other than Saks and like women could really wear.
On the last makeover show, the outfits (for one outfit!) were $1,000 for the cheapest one. I actually wrote a complaint email to Oprah after that show, and it seems like she listened.
Tracee
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:01 pm
see, I told you.
Tracee
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I can’t resist- you work from home and your parent’s are fine.
Tracee
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:19 pm
You’re both making the same point - Oprah’s makeovers are unrealistic.
Next year I promise they’ll declare the red trench (that you should spend as much as you can on because it will never go out of style) will be “You Shlumpakinka! You can’t go around looking like fire engine screaming Look at Me!”
Though I think I could pull of a red trench.
The items are way too pricey for the average woman - Hello, I wait until those $16.50 yoga pants are on the clearance rack Oprah!
When was the last time you saw anyone wearing a tunic?
Tracee
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:25 pm
and I got news for that lady - 15 minutes in the dryer is how I iron everything.
Violet
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:32 pm
It’s true now that I work at home :) But I’ve worked at an office for most of the past 20 years and these are the attitudes I encountered. Not from everyone, only from a few. Most of the moms I know, I totally love, and I am happy to help when they need it.
My parents are pretty healthy, but I’ve had to pitch in during the last few years when my mother had thyroid cancer, surgery and arthritis in her ankle that left her unable to walk. And my father had a triple heart bypass. Of course, everyone in the family looked to me to help most since “I have no kids.” I was happy to do it, but yeah, I have a life too.
Lizzie
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I am sick of everyone picking on how stay at home moms look. If you spent all day cleaning, dealing with the kids and running around you would too!! I would like to see Oprah run house for a week ( without a nanny or housekeeper) and see what she looks like at the end of it.
Violet
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Who irons? If it has to be ironed, I don’t buy it.
Ashley
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Violet, my intention was not to sound superior - I apologize if my complaining about my friend’s lack of understanding, or complete lack of common sense offended you. I do love her very much and she knows not what she does. Also, I am so sorry for all the troubles you endure at work, and at home. Keep the faith;) But you see Violet, my friend really does have lots and lots of money to spend on noone but herself and lots and lots of time to do things like nap and party and go to the gym and go on vacations. She has a job that gives her tons of time off and she has a wonderful life. And after hearing how ‘difficult’ your life is, I would imagine you would roll your eyes too if you had to listen to her complaining about being tired when you had just spent a sleepless night with one of your elderly parents…
Now that that’s out of the way, I want to know one thing - where do you work? Sounds like a great place for working moms - you know - having to do less, getting paid more..where do I put in my resume?
Violet
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Lizzie, I totally agree. I don’t have kids, but I work at home (and clean and run errands). Why can’t I wear sweats all day if I want to, or why do I have to “look nice” to go to the grocery store?
If I did have nice new clothes, I wouldn’t wear them to clean the bathroom! It’s just one more way to make women feel crappy. I love her, but Oprah is out of touch with how real women live.
Ashley
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Yes she is. Exactly which outfits were supposed to be casual?
Lizzie
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Ashley, I can understand about your childless friend, I have one too. Sometimes when I am on the phone with her and I have to stop talking because one of my children picked that particular moment to need me I feel like she cannot relate to the situation, she is too busy wondering what restuarant she & her husband will be dining in peace & quiet alone at. God Bless you Violet for taking care of your parents, that can be more stressful than your own children.
Ashley
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I iron a lot since I went back to work.. when I stayed at home I never even had a board.
Ashley
Feb 22, 2008 at 2:59 pm
For some reason I’ve become obsessive about ironing my son’s school uniform everyday. It’s really stupid; I definately don’t have time but I compulsively try to squeeze it in there…It’s like my way of saying to the teacher and the homeroom moms “See, I’m a good mom” It’s really silly - like they even care! But every morning at like 6:35am there I am pressing away!
Violet
Feb 22, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Ashley, I think you got the brunt of my frustrations with people who, now that I think about it, would probably still be martyrs even if they weren’t mothers. Luckily, I work at home now, so I don’t deal with those people anymore. It is a great workplace!
Hey, BFFs complain about each other all the time and get on each other’s nerves sometimes. That’s understandable. You obviously love her.
For the record, I do think it is part of my role in life to step in and help the mothers in my life. That’s why I volunteer to babysit when my sis-in-law needs the day off, take my friend’s daughter to the library and lunch once a week and drive my pregnant friend to her drs. appt when her car is in the shop.
I was always the first one in the office to advocate that a new mother be allowed to bring her child to work or work from home or have a dedicated room for nursing. I only want mothers to think my needs are just as important.
Ashley
Feb 22, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Violet, I was just joking - really though, I’ve never been in a workplace where the moms got special treatment. At least not in a good way. In fact, many working mothers are watched like hawks for any sign that their role as ‘mother’ might effect their performance. Many mothers live in fear of that runny nose or horrible cough that they will have to ask off for just to have the boss express (to his assistant after she leaves) just how much they regret hiring them. Matter of fact, there are many employers who are reluctant to hire a woman with children at all.
I’m not saying your old workplace doesn’t exist - I”m just saying maybe there’s another side to it too.
Violet
Feb 22, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Ashley, I think you are right. I never really thought about it, but it must be really difficult in some jobs, especially if you are in a male-dominated industry.
I work in the non-profit sector and it’s mostly made up of women and hippie types who want to treat everyone right. It doesn’t pay great, but you can’t beat the people and support.
Susanna
Feb 22, 2008 at 3:41 pm
If I may comment on the whole white shirt thing, I don’t own one, either. I have found it’s just a better idea if I don’t try to buy button-down shirts as they always, always gap in the front and pooch in the waist.
On other women, the perfect white shirt looks polished and pulled-together. On me, it would add 10 lbs. and look ill-fitting and uncomfortable.
My perfect shirt is a plain black cashmere sweater. It doesn’t show stains, it doesn’t get wrinkled, I don’t have to tuck it in, it goes with everything, and it’s dressy enough to wear to almost anything without looking fussy or fancy.
Tracee
Feb 22, 2008 at 3:49 pm
here was my special treatment - can I work from home like the man who lives in san fransisco and works from home? NO.
Can I work from home for a few months after the baby? NO.
Can I go home and write my article at 11 pm from home and email it to you like the guy who sits across the isle from me? NO.
I’m pregnant. WE MADE AN INVESTMENT IN YOU AND THIS IS INCONVENIENT FOR US - YOU’RE FIRED!
I felt so special.
Ashley
Feb 22, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I had a black turtlneck sweater that I actually got when I was pregnant. Even after I had the baby I wore that thing till it was all nubby…I wish I could say I got rid of it, but it’s still in my closet for a rainy day or a late night trip to the grocery store…Yea, you got me…closet shlumpadinka right here.
Ashley
Feb 22, 2008 at 3:52 pm
wow..I’ll bet!
Ashley
Feb 22, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Have a good weekend ladies..
Violet
Feb 22, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Yeah Tracee, that was total BS. You were a WRITER, why did you have to write in the office? The news/publishing industry seems to be really sexist.
Tracee
Feb 22, 2008 at 4:19 pm
good damn question - male paradym
Jen
Feb 23, 2008 at 2:27 pm
White shirts make excellent tie dye fodder at our house.
After becoming a mother of three boys, I often look back on all the times I just *thought* I was tired…funny stuff.
Billy
Feb 23, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Actually, it appears Violet is right. A recent study in the UK showed that single women work 40% more overtime than working mothers.
Billy
Feb 23, 2008 at 10:58 pm
UNPAID overtime
Tracee
Feb 24, 2008 at 8:19 am
There is the theory that non-mothers have more time and ambition to devote to the fast track - while mother’s sacrifice ambition for home work hours, etc.
I definately think though that non-mothers suffer from motherhood discrimination as well -
motherhood by association. It comes out in hiring practices and promotions and pay.
christy
Feb 25, 2008 at 5:41 am
I hear you! No Brooks Brothers Shirts for me anymore. It’s been 11 months and counting!
Ashley
Feb 25, 2008 at 7:40 am
I know the Oprah makeovers were a little unrealistic, but it did make one good point: When you look better you feel better. I can’t speak for anyone else, but days that I get fixed up (even in jeans) I feel so much better and have so much more energy..I feel empowered and alive. I feel ready to take on anything or anyone. On the days I don’t bother with makeup(scary) or hair or jewelry, I have to make that inevitable trip to the grocery store and it seems like I spend the whole trip hoping I don’t see anyone I know..ducking between aisles to avoid running into someone from work! (who will undoubtedly ask me if I’m sick!) I don’t think anyone should feel obligated to fix up - but it does make me feel better. When I stayed at home I tried to at least do it a few days a week, and it seems like I felt more like myself.
Tracee
Feb 25, 2008 at 8:05 am
true that.
I’ve even been slapping on some lipstick and mascara when I go to the gym on the days I stay in my gym wear all day.
I know all the other women are coming from their jobs so they are wearing makeup. I don’t want to look like the lady who didn’t bother to get dressed today - even though I didn’t.
I try to get dressed and put on make-up if I got to the store too. I do feel better about myself if I do.
Violet
Feb 25, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I think the key is that you are doing it for yourself, not because you feel like you have to cover up your flaws or you are worried that you won’t measure up without it.
I also liked the tone of this makeover show much better because it did seem to be more about feeling better and taking care of yourself instead of being “fixed.” The clothes were also more affordable and they featured women of different sizes!
I don’t like wearing makeup on a daily basis, and I mostly just want to be comfortable in my clothes. Since I work at home though, I do find that I feel better if I get showered and out of my pajamas right away although it doesn’t always happen.
But I love getting dolled up to go out with friends. It does make me feel good to spend a lot of time on my face and hair, choose jewelry, wear a new outfit.
Ashley
Feb 25, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Violet - I couldn’t agree more: “the key is that you are doing it for yourself”
That’s exactly what I was saying - it makes ME feel better. I even feel like I have more energy, which is always a plus. On my days off, sometimes I don’t necessarily wear a lot of makeup, but like you said if I get up and get into my clothes, instead of pajamas, I at least feel ‘ready’ and I always get more done on those days. I guess I’m guilty of trying to cover up flaws though. I have lots of acne scars which I feel pretty self-conscious about if I don’t have some sort of make-up on. But it seems like as I get older, and have more pressing priorities they don’t bother me so much. I guess I’m learning what they’re trying to teach on these make-over shows; focus on your assets!
Mary
Feb 27, 2008 at 8:14 am
Hi all, it’s fun listening to everyone’s opinion. My situation is diffferent yet, and in a way not so much. I was the widow of a suicide, lucky to be alive when I moved alone to New Hampshire with virtually nothing 9 years ago. I bought a dumpy rundown 220 yr. old tiny cape in a relatively rural, obscure village. I proceeded to re hab it alone, with very little money for the next 7 years. I had come from the Chicago area, where I was born and raised and knew no one here. I lived in sweats for those 7 years, and for the most part, still do. EVERYTHING I own, with the exception of a few rare items of clothing for going “out somehwere” (grocery store, etc., not included) is paint stained. I recently met and married my sould mate. Although he has a degree, and is a graphic designer, and I am an artist and antique dealer, salaries are extremely low here, and life is hard. We make less than $500. a week, and out of that have to pay most of our health insurance too! Sometimes I still dream about “Chicago clothes” lol!!! I would like that white shirt! I have to say though, that this has been the adventure of my life. I love my little house, and the life I have made as a “stranger in a strange land”. My husband and I are volunteer historical reenactors in our spare time—NO pay for that—we help all the museums make money, and are what the public comes to see. I spend a lot of time in 18th century clothes. This has been a very rewarding life, and although, I KNOW that in the dictionary under “shlumpadinka”, there is a picture of ME, somehow I wouldn’t trade places, even with Oprah!
Cheers, all you marvelous women!
Mary
Ashley
Feb 29, 2008 at 7:41 am
Okay - I wore the white shirt today, made it through coffee drinking, in and out at the babysitters (she called me brave by the way) and into my nice clean (cluttered but clean) office.. Everybody say a quick prayer for me as we approach lunchtime!
Margiee
Jul 15, 2008 at 4:49 pm
The show repeated today - so I went looking for this shirt which is actually on sale now. But thought I’d reply:
Hey Girls, my three boys are now 10, 15 and 16. There is hope ahead and a dim light at the end of your very loooong tunnel! That white shirt just may find its’ way into your closet in the years to come as the kids grow up and you mature in style (not meant to be condescending, just the truth from an older, seasoned Mom). BTW, it does come in blue and pink too, also stripes. Finances may or may not work out, but by your late thirties (or when the kids are older), you’ll crave some sense of style (if you had it before and lost it to grape juice and strained peas) and won’t proudly and fiercely embrace your schlumpadinka-ness so much. Your appearance as The Mom projects a “family image” too (like the 6am uniform ironing sessions), and the day will come when you’ll want to look like you have it all together and are a hip, fun family enjoying life. Remember, we chose to have these kids - don’t use them as an excuse for anything! And please also think of our poor hubbies who probably married a cute, perky gal…if you keep yourself up, he’ll be likely to do the same. It’s not hard to throw on a sundress and some lippy before Daddy gets home, sweats and a tshirt are not necessarily the uniform de rigor of stay home busy Moms. Come on, let’s be honest…there is at least one, if not a group, of Moms you know who you probably slam for looking a little too cute or too put together with a Starbuck’s cup in hand. What’s wrong with that? It doesnt always mean they have nannies and housekeepers, it just means instead of throwing on sweats, they throw on chinos or hip jeans and cute flats with the same tshirt you wear and slide some gloss on the lips and a brush through their hair in the car. Really girls, it’s NOT THAT HARD to look just a little cuter than a blah sloppy schlumpadinka! Good luck, it does get easier and you will eventually get some sleep.
Cheers,
Margie
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